NZ vs SL: Santner to lead as New Zealand announce squad for white-ball series against Sri Lanka

Mitchell Santner has been appointed as New Zealand's interim captain for their upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Tuesday. 

Santner will lead a 15-man squad for the two T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs) scheduled for November. This decision comes as NZC continues to search for a permanent captain, with the announcement expected during the home season.

The squad features exciting newcomers, including bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay, both receiving their first call-ups to the national team.

Smith, 25, recently won NZC's Men's Domestic Player of the Year and earned a central contract. His impressive domestic season, which included 24 wickets and a standout performance of 4 for 5 in the Super Smash, caught the selectors’ attention. Hay, crowned Canterbury’s Male Player of the Year, made his New Zealand A debut last year and now gets his chance at the international level.

The bowling attack will be led by pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson, with support from Smith, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Josh Clarkson. Tim Robinson, after impressing on his debut tour to Pakistan earlier this year, has earned a second call-up.

Santner will also have the support of experienced players like Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell, who join him as all-rounders. Legspinner Ish Sodhi, with 117 T20I appearances, is the most seasoned player in the squad.

Henry Nicholls, who enjoyed a successful Ford Trophy campaign last summer, along with Glenn Phillips and Will Young, will bolster New Zealand's batting lineup. The team will miss several key players, including Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, and Kane Williamson, who are focusing on the upcoming Test series against England.

Speaking about the selection, New Zealand’s chief selector Sam Wells said, "This tour marks the beginning of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup. It's exciting to give opportunities to players who represent the future of the Blackcaps."

New Zealand-based players will depart for Sri Lanka on November 4, with the first T20I kicking off in Dambulla on November 9.

New Zealand T20I and ODI squad:
Mitchell Santner (captain), 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.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Series schedule:
- Nov 9: 1st T20I, Dambulla
- Nov 10: 2nd T20I, Dambulla
- Nov 13: 1st ODI, Dambulla
- Nov 17: 2nd ODI, Pallekelle
- Nov 19: 3rd ODI, Pallekelle