New Zealand announced a 13-man squad for the two-match T20 series against Sri Lanka. Currently, these two sides are involved in a five-match ODi series in which the visitors are 2-0 down.
Corey Anderson returned to the T20 squad of the Kiwis after months. Along with Anderson, Grant Elliott too marked his return for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka.
Anderson suffered a stress-related back injury in May and he was ruled out of several series that the Black Caps were involved in after that. He returned in November when he played only as a specialist batsman for Northern Districts in New Zealand's domestic T20 competition.
"It's been a long process for Corey, but we've been happy with his recent progress and the fact he's managed to string a few games together for the Northern Knights.He's getting closer to bowling, but we'll be taking a precautionary approach. We've seen how dynamic a batsmen he is and can threaten any bowling attack in the world," New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson told reporters on Wednesday.
Elliott on the other hand broke his wrist in a practice session in November and now has recovered from that injury.
"Grant brings a lot to the squad and has experience in pressure moments, which is key to batting in the middle order in Twenty20," Hesson added.
Brendon McCullum was left out of the T20 squad because he had said that he will not be featuring for the Kiwis in the ICC World T20 2016, which will be held in India. Thus, Kane Williamson will have to don the captain's hat for the upcoming series as well as the ICC World T20 2016.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's pace bowling spearhead Lasitha Malinga has been ruled out of the T20 series because of a knee injury. Dinesh Chandimal will be leading the Sri Lankan side in the absence of Malinga in the forthcoming T20 series against the Kiwis.
T20 squad: Kane Williamson (C), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
ODI squad for last two matches Brendon McCullum (C), Trent Boult (will return for fifth ODI), Doug Bracewell, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson.
