On October 23, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced their squad for their next month tour of Sri Lanka. Interim captain Mitchell Santner will be the leader of the team. This will be the first limited-over series for New Zealand since Kane Williamson left captaincy after early exit from ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
New Zealand have taken a second-string squad, since eight senior players were not considered to be selected. After the Test series against India, they will get ready and face England in a three-Test series. Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson are all the players who will be missing the series.
All-rounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay got their maiden callings. Smith was named the Domestic Player of the Year. Hay has been in splendid form as well, with the title of Canterbury’s male Player of the Year as well.
Ben Sears, Ben Lister, Kyle Jamieson and Adi Ashok were not considered for selection due to their respective injuries. Spinner Cole McConchie will also not be available as he is on paternity leave.
