Mitchell Santner Named Interim Captain for New Zealand's White-Ball Series Against Sri Lanka

New Zealand Cricket has appointed Mitchell Santner as the interim captain for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka. The squad, featuring emerging talents Nathan Smith and Mitchell Hay, aims to build depth ahead of future global tournaments. Key players are absent, prioritizing Test matches against England.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has appointed Mitchell Santner as the interim captain for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Santner, a seasoned spinner, will lead a 15-member squad, which includes promising newcomers such as uncapped all-rounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell Hay.

Smith, recently crowned NZC's Men's Domestic Player of the Year, secured his first central contract after an impressive domestic season, notably taking 24 wickets, including a record 4/5 against Otago. Hay, the Canterbury Male Player of the Year, debuted for New Zealand A last year.

The batting lineup boasts experienced players such as Glenn Phillips, Will Young, and Henry Nicholls. Meanwhile, spin-bowling duties will be shared by Michael Bracewell and Phillips, with Lockie Ferguson heading the pace attack. Six members currently engaged in the Test series against India are part of the squad.

Several key players, including Tom Blundell and Devon Conway, have opted out to focus on the Test series against England. The Sri Lanka tour marks the start of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the 2027 ODI World Cup, highlighting the need for building depth in the squad.

The series kicks off with two T20Is on November 9 and 10 in Dambulla, followed by a three-match ODI series starting November 13. The ODIs will conclude in Pallekelle, featuring an exciting New Zealand lineup poised to develop future talent.

(With inputs from agencies.)