New Zealand Cricket has officially announced that Mitchell Santner will assume the role of interim captain for the forthcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. This decision, confirmed by NZC on Tuesday, positions Santner at the helm of a 15-man squad that will engage in a series comprising two T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals next month. In an indication of the selectors’ commitment to nurturing emerging talent, the squad includes two maiden call-ups: bowling allrounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay.
Nathan Smith, a promising 25-year-old, recently earned recognition as NZC’s Men's Domestic Player of the Year during the New Zealand Cricket Awards held in March. His performance in domestic white-ball competitions has been commendable, highlighted by impressive statistics of 24 wickets for Wellington last season, including a standout performance where he achieved career-best figures of 4 for 5 against Otago in the Super Smash. Another notable inclusion is Mitchell Hay, who debuted for New Zealand A last year and was honored as Canterbury's Male Player of the Year in April.
The pace attack for this series will be anchored by Lockie Ferguson, who leads a robust lineup featuring Smith, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Josh Clarkson. Additionally, Tim Robinson has warranted another chance after a commendable international debut during the tour of Pakistan earlier this year.
The spin department will be fortified by the inclusion of Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips, both of whom have proven their mettle as spin-bowling allrounders. Santner's presence adds experience to this unit, while Dean Foxcroft offers additional off-spin options. Ish Sodhi, the leading leg-spinner in the squad, brings invaluable experience with 117 T20I appearances to his name.
In terms of batting strength, the squad includes Glenn Phillips, Will Young, and Henry Nicholls. Nicholls, in particular, had a stellar season in the Ford Trophy, accumulating 301 runs in six matches with an average of 75.25, underscoring his potential as a key contributor. Notably, six players from the current New Zealand Test squad in India have also been included in this lineup, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. These players will transition directly to Sri Lanka following the culmination of their third Test match in Mumbai.
On logistics, the New Zealand-based members of the squad are set to depart for Sri Lanka on November 4, ahead of the series opener on November 9. It is important to note that Bracewell will join the squad fresh from a family occasion, having returned to New Zealand for the birth of his second child.
Several prominent names have opted not to be considered for this selection, focusing instead on the upcoming three-Test series against England, which is set to commence in Christchurch on November 28. Those players include Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, and Kane Williamson.
The significance of this Sri Lanka tour extends beyond immediate results. Chief selector Sam Wells articulated that the series represents an integral component of the strategic preparation leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February 2025. Furthermore, longer-term aspirations are aimed at the 2027 ODI World Cup. Importance is placed on cultivating depth within the team, as the international cricket calendar is demanding, and success in pivotal tournaments necessitates a peak alignment of player performance.
Head coach Gary Stead will oversee the squad’s development, supported by bowling coach Jacob Oram. Additionally, former England international James Foster is set to rejoin the New Zealand setup as their batting coach, stepping in as full-time batting coach Luke Ronchi returns home to prepare for the New Zealand domestic summer season.
The complete New Zealand T20I and ODI squad for the tour includes:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, and Will Young.
The schedule for the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand series is as follows:
The first T20I will take place on November 9 in Dambulla, followed by the second T20I on November 10 at the same venue. The ODI series will kick off with the first ODI on November 13, also in Dambulla, followed by the second and third ODIs on November 17 and November 19, to be held at Pallekelle.
This upcoming tour promises to be a platform for both established players and new entrants, as New Zealand aims to build a squad capable of excelling on the international stage. With emphasis on future potential, this tour will serve as a critical stepping stone toward their aspirations in major international tournaments.