Mitchell Santner to Lead New Zealand in SL T20Is and ODIs as New-Look Squad Prepares for Series

Beginning on November 9, Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in the three ODIs and two T20Is against Sri Lanka. After the team’s unexpected loss in the T20 World Cup group stage in June, Kane Williamson resigned as captain, and this will be New Zealand’s first limited-overs series since.

According to a press statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the country has also called up all-rounder Nathan Smith and ‘keeper-batter Mitch Hay for the first time in the 15-man roster.

Santner has been named interim captain for the series, while the permanent ODI and T20I captains will be decided during the New Zealand home summer later this year.

In March, Nathan Smith won the title of NZC’s Domestic Player of the Year. In addition to recording career-best figures of 4 for 5 in the Super Smash, he took 24 wickets in the domestic ODI and T20 leagues. However, Hay, 24, was named Canterbury’s male Player of the Year earlier this year.

Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and Lockie Ferguson make up the pace attack, and Ish Sodhi will be the team’s most seasoned spinner. All-round spin bowlers Dean Foxcroft, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips will join with Sodhi. Lastly, the batting lineup will consist of Josh Clarkson, Tim Robinson, Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, and Will Young.

Eight players from the ongoing Test series against India – Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson – were not considered for selection in order to prepare for the three-match Test series against England.

Full Squad: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (WK), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young

Schedule of Series,