Mitchell Santner will begin his reign as the captain of New Zealand‘s white-ball teams in the home series against Sri Lanka, which will also see explosive Kiwi batter Bevon Jacobs making his international debut as part of the T20I squad.
“It’s obviously an exciting time for Bevon and his family. He’s a promising player with a lot of talent and we’re looking forward to exposing him to international cricket,” said selector Sam Wells.
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The Blackcaps will compete against Sri Lanka in three T20Is, beginning Saturday at Mount Maunganui, followed by three ODIs starting January 5 – their final series before the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Since his domestic debut last year, Jacobs has impressed selectors with his performance, leading to an unexpected contract with Mumbai Indians during this month’s Indian Premier League auction.
“He’s clearly got a lot of power with the bat, but he’s also shown in the longer formats that he has a decent technique and temperament,” Wells added.
Kane Williamson and Devon Conway were not considered for selection due to their commitments in South Africa’s SA20 tournament.
Following their England Test series, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Matt Henry have been recalled to the white-ball squads, having missed the Sri Lanka tour last month.
The pace-bowling unit, led by Henry, features young talents including Zac Foulkes, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, alongside all-rounder Nathan Smith.
The spin-bowling responsibilities rest primarily with Santner, supported by all-rounders Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.
T20 squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith
ODI squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young
