Uncapped duo called in for Blackcaps' ODI & T20 series against Sri Lanka

The Blackcaps have selected two new players for next month's Twenty20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Wellington Firebirds bowling-allrounder Nathan Smith and Canterbury wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay have earned their maiden call-ups to the 15-strong squad for two T20Is and three ODIs, starting in Dambulla on November 9.

The team will be led by interim captain Mitchell Santner, with a decision on the long-term white-ball skippers expected over the NZ home summer.

Smith's promotion comes on the back of his stellar domestic form for the Firebirds, which saw him named NZC's domestic player of the year and receive a central contract.

Hay featured for New Zealand A last year, consistent across all three formats en route to being named Canterbury's player of the year in April.

The remainder of the squad is a mixture of youth and experience, with Lockie Ferguson taking the reins of a bowling attack that also includes Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, and allrounder Josh Clarkson.

Powerful Wellington Firebirds opener Tim Robinson earns his second call-up after excelling on his maiden international voyage to Pakistan in April, while Michael Bracewell is back after returning home from India for the birth of his second child.

Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson were not considered for selection, as they prioritise the upcoming three-Test series against England, starting in Christchurch on November 28.

"This tour is the beginning of the build-up towards the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025 and we also have an eye towards the 2027 one-day Cricket World Cup," said selector Sam Wells.

"Building depth is of critical important due to the demands of the international schedule and the need to peak for pinnacle events.

"For that reason it's particularly exciting to include a number of players that we believe represent the future of the Blackcaps."

Blackcaps squad for Sri Lanka - ODI and T20 series: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Zak Foulkes, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young