New Zealand Tour of Sri Lanka 2024: Mitchell Santner is appointed Interim Captain for the ODI and T20I Series 

New Zealand Cricket has announced the team for the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka, and all-rounder Mitchell Santner is named interim captain for this tour because NZC stated that they will decide on white-call captaincy in the upcoming summer. Santner will lead a 15-man squad, which includes a mix of young blood and experienced campaigners.  

Nathan Smith, a young all-rounder, and Mitchell Hay, a wicketkeeper-batter, have received their first call-ups to the national side. Nathan Smith recently received the honor of NZC’s Men’s Domestic Player of the Year in March for his performance with the ball in domestic cricket. Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay, who made his New Zealand debut last year, also got rewarded for his efforts in domestic cricket.  

Will Young, Tim Robinson, and Henry Nicholas will take responsibility for scoring runs. Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson will lead the Kiwi pace attack that comprises Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Josh Clarkson. Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Dean Foxcroft are spin bowling options alongside skipper Mitchell Santner.  

Senior players, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, and Kane Williamson, are not considered for this series.  

NZC’s chief selector shared his views while announcing the team by saying, “This tour is the beginning of the build-up towards the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, and we also keep an eye towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. Bench Strength is of critical importance due to the demands of the busy international schedule and pinnacle events. For that reason, it’s particularly exciting to include players we believe represent the future of the Blackcaps.” 

Also Read: New Zealand Tour of India, 2024

New Zealand T20I and ODI squad for Sri Lanka Series  

Mitchell Santner (c), Mitch Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand T20I Series Schedule 

9 Nov 2024, 1st T20I, Dambulla

10 Nov 2024, 2nd T20I, Dambulla 

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule

13 Nov 2024, 1st ODI, Dambulla

17 Nov 2024, 2nd ODI, Pallekelle

19 Nov 2024, 3rd ODI, Pallekelle