Southee to lead New Zealand in Sri Lanka T20Is, Williamson rested

The Kiwi selectors have opted to give skipper Kane Williamson a well-deserved rest for their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Senior pacer Tim Southee will lead the side in Williamson’s absence. Pace spearhead Trent Boult has also been rested for the series. The T20I series will begin after the end of the two-match Test series. Sri Lanka registered an impressive victory in the first Test at Galle courtesy a brilliant century from skipper Karunaratne.

The selectors have again opted to name a spin-heavy side, selecting three tweakers. Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi and Todd Astle are all part of the 14-man squad. Bowling all-rounder Doug Bracewell misses out with Seth Rance coming in as his replacement. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert who was hugely impressive against India also makes his comeback from injury.

On the squad, selector Gavin Larsen said:

“Kane and Trent played an enormous role in our recent World Cup campaign. With a big summer ahead, we see it as a good opportunity to give them a rest. Following that amazing ride in the ODI World Cup, it’s exciting to begin setting our sights on another world event. The series in Sri Lanka will be a challenging one against a team who are tough to beat in their own conditions. Our T20 team has been pretty consistent over the past couple of years and we’re really happy with the power and versatility we have in this squad.”

The three-match series will begin in Colombo on September 1 and end on September 6 in Pallekele.

New Zealand squad: Tim Southee (C), Todd Astle, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhome, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Seth Rance, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor