SL vs NZ ODI & T20I Series 2024: Mitchell Santner Appointed as New Zealand Captain
Author: Vishnu Reddy
Updated At:
Mitchell Santner has been named the captain of New Zealand for their upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, starting on November 9. The series, which includes two T20Is and three ODIs, marks New Zealand's first white-ball action since Kane Williamson stepped down as captain after the team’s unexpected exit from the group stage of the T20 World Cup in June.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has also announced some fresh faces in the 15-man squad, with all-rounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay receiving their maiden call-ups. Santner's appointment as interim captain will be temporary, with permanent captains for both formats expected to be named during New Zealand’s home season later in the year.
Nathan Smith, who was named NZC's Domestic Player of the Year earlier in March, earned his selection after a standout season in domestic cricket, claiming 24 wickets across both the ODI and T20 competitions. His impressive performance in the Super Smash included career-best figures of 4 for 5. Meanwhile, Mitch Hay, 24, was recognized as Canterbury's Male Player of the Year for his consistent contributions with the bat.
The squad features a balanced mix of pace and spin, with Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes forming the pace attack. Ish Sodhi, the most experienced spinner in the squad, will be joined by spin-bowling all-rounders Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Dean Foxcroft. The batting lineup includes Will Young, Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Phillips, Tim Robinson, and Josh Clarkson. Cricket betting analysis indicates that New Zealand's strong bowling attack, particularly their spin options, could be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the series.
SL vs NZ ODI & T20I Series 2024 - New Zealand Squad
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
Eight players currently involved in New Zealand’s Test series against India, including key names such as Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, and Williamson, have been rested from this limited-overs series to prepare for their upcoming three-match Test series against England. The series promises to be an exciting opportunity for several rising talents to make their mark while Santner leads the team in the interim.
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