New Zealand have handed left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox his first senior call-up as they named mixed squads for their one-day and T20 series in India next month, New Zealand Cricket said on Tuesday.
Lennox, who has represented New Zealand A, was included in the ODI squad alongside uncapped all-rounder Kristian Clarke, with the selectors opting to rotate players as part of preparations for the men’s T20 World Cup early next year.
Experienced players Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell return across the two formats, while fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has been named in both squads following his recovery. Santner, returning from a groin injury, will captain the T20 side but will sit out the ODI series as part of his return-to-play plan.
Bracewell will lead the ODI team, supported by senior players including Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young and Henry Nicholls. Test captain Tom Latham is unavailable for the ODIs due to family reasons, while seamer Matt Henry will miss the one-day series as he continues rehabilitation from a calf injury ahead of the T20s.
Several players, including Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and Mark Chapman, were not considered for ODI selection due to ongoing injury recovery, although Chapman is expected to feature in the T20 series.
New Zealand will play three ODIs followed by five T20 internationals in India, with the tour forming a key part of their build-up to the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the subcontinent.
Rob Walter, New Zealand’s head coach, said exposure to subcontinental conditions would be valuable for the squad ahead of the global tournament.
The T20 World Cup squad is expected to be announced in mid-January.
