Santner will captain New Zealand in T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka

New Delhi, 23 October (Hindustan Reporter). Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in two T20Is and three ODIs against Sri Lanka starting on November 9. This will be New Zealand's first limited-overs series since Kane Williamson stepped down as captain following the team's early exit from the T20 World Cup group stage in June.

New Zealand have also included all-rounder Nathan Smith and keeper-batsman Mitch Hay in the 15-man squad for the first time, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced in a press release.

Santner has been named interim captain for this series, while the permanent ODI and T20 captains will be decided during New Zealand's domestic summer later this year.

Nathan Smith was named NZC Domestic Player of the Year in March. He took 24 wickets in the domestic ODI and T20 competitions and also produced a career-best performance of 4 for 5 in the Super Smash. Haye, 24, on the other hand, was named Canterbury Men's Player of the Year earlier this year.

Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy and Jack Foulkes will be part of the fast bowling attack, while Ish Sodhi will be the most experienced spinner in the team. Sodhi will be accompanied by spin bowling all-rounders Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell and Dean Foxcroft. Lastly, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Phillips, Tim Robinson and Josh Clarkson will be part of the batting unit.

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 – have been called up to prepare for the three-match Test series against England. Not selected for selection.

New Zealand's squad is as follows: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Jack Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.

series program

1st T20 match – Saturday, 9 November, Dambulla

Second T20 match – Sunday, 10 November, Dambulla

1st ODI – Wednesday, 13 November, Dambulla

2nd ODI – Sunday, November 17, Kandy

3rd ODI – Tuesday, November 19, Kandy