Santner to lead New Zealand in SL T20Is, ODIs

Mitchell Santner will lead the Black Caps in the two T20Is and three ODIs against Sri Lanka, starting November 9. This will be Kiwis’ first limited-overs series Kane Williamson bowed out as the skipper, following the team’s dismal performance in the World T20 League 2024. 

New Zealand has also handed a maiden call-up to all-rounder Nathan Smith and keeper batter  Mitch Hay in the 15-man squad, announced by New Zealand Cricket in a press release. 

Santner has been appointed as the interim skipper for the series, while the permanent choice in the white ball format shall be named during NZ’s home summer later this year. 

Nathan Smith was named NZC’s Domestic Player of the Year in March. He took 24 wickets across the domestic OD and T20 competitions and also registered career-best figures of 4/5  in Super Smash. Hay, on the other hand, was crowned Canterbury’s Male Player of the Year, earlier this year. 

The pace attack comprises Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes while Ish Sodhi will shoulder the spin bowling responsibilities. Glen Phillips, Michael Bracewell and Dean Foxcroft are the spin-bowling all-rounders in the squad. Will Young, Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls,  Phillips, Josh Clarkson and Tim Robinson form the batting department. 

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 picked for selection 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

Series Schedule

1st T20I - Saturday, November 9, Dambulla

2nd T20I - Sunday, November 10, Dambulla

1st ODI - Wednesday, November 13, Dambulla

2nd ODI- Sunday, November 17, Kandy

3rd ODI - Tuesday, November 19, Kandy