New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced that Mitchell Santner will serve as the interim captain for the national team’s upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Santner, who has been a consistent performer for the Blackcaps, will lead a 15-man squad that includes two players receiving their maiden international call-ups.
The tour consists of two T20Is and three One Day Internationals, scheduled to take place in November. The squad also sees the inclusion of bowling allrounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay, both of whom have impressed at the domestic level.
Smith, recently recognized as NZC’s Men’s Domestic Player of the Year, was instrumental for Wellington last season, taking 24 wickets in white-ball competitions, including standout figures of 4 for 5 in the Super Smash. Meanwhile, Hay, who made his New Zealand A debut last year, was honored as Canterbury’s Male Player of the Year in April.
Lockie Ferguson is set to lead the pace attack, accompanied by Smith, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Josh Clarkson. Tim Robinson returns for a second call-up after a successful first international tour in Pakistan earlier this year. The spin department features Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips alongside Santner, with experienced legspinner Ish Sodhi, who has 117 T20I appearances, adding depth to the squad.
The batting lineup includes Will Young, and Henry Nicholls, who recently showcased his skills in the Ford Trophy, scoring 301 runs in just six games.
NZC has confirmed that a permanent captain for the white-ball formats will be named later this summer, emphasizing the need for strategic leadership as the team prepares for major upcoming tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025 and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“This tour of Sri Lanka is a crucial step in our preparations,” said chief selector Sam Wells. “Building depth in the squad is essential due to the demanding international schedule, and we are excited to introduce players who represent the future of New Zealand cricket.”
Head coach Gary Stead will guide the team, assisted by bowling coach Jacob Oram and batting coach James Foster, who returns to the role after Luke Ronchi’s departure to focus on the domestic season.
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The New Zealand squad for the Sri Lanka Tour:
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.
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