No big names in NZ squads for SL series

New Zealand cricket team unveiled its squads for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka.

The squad announcement brings some surprises with notable absences and the inclusion of an uncapped player Bevon Jacobs who is set to make his international debut.

The series which will see New Zealand take on Sri Lanka in both formats will be led by Mitchell Santner who took over the white-ball captaincy from Kane Williamson.

Interestingly, senior players like Williamson and Devon Conway are missing from the squad, as both will be participating in the upcoming SA20 competition.

Bevon Jacobs has been one of the standout performers in New Zealand's domestic T20 competition, the Super Smash.

His recent blistering 16-ball 39 in a warm-up match against Sri Lanka earned him a place in the T20 squad.

Jacobs, who boasts an impressive strike rate of 188.73 while playing for Canterbury Kings, has been rewarded for his strong performances.

However, it is important to note that he will only be considered for the T20 matches and not for the ODI series.

The T20I squad also sees the inclusion of Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, and Tim Robinson, all of whom made their international debuts during the recent tour of Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, key players like Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Matt Henry return to the squad after missing the recent limited-overs series in Sri Lanka.

The ODI squad sees the return of seasoned players like Tom Latham, Will O'Rourke, and Will Young, who have been rested for the T20I series.

Latham will resume his role as wicketkeeper-batter, while O'Rourke and Young will add depth to the ODI batting lineup.

Luke Ronchi will take over as head coach for this series, giving Gary Stead a well-deserved break after an extended period in charge.

New Zealand's T20I Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zac Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith.