Uncapped pacer named in New Zealand's T20I squad for India tour
Left-arm medium pacer Ben Lister has been called up to the New Zealand T20I squad for the three-match T20I series in India that starts later this month.
With Kane Williamson and Tim Southee returning home following the Pakistan Tests, Mitchell Santner will lead the side.
The squad has nine members from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad that played in Australia late last year. The only uncapped players, though, are Lister and Henry Shipley, who made his debut in ODIs during the Pakistan tour.
“Ben [Lister] has made an exciting impact for Auckland early in his career in red and white ball cricket," Blackcaps selector Gavin Larsen said.
"Since his debut in late 2017, he is the Aces’ leading wicket taker in T20 and List A cricket. His ability to swing the ball considerably as a left-armer is particularly exciting.”
“We all felt for Ben after his tour ended the way it did last year, and it’s a testament to his work ethic that he’s been able to return to domestic cricket so strongly this season.”
Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Matt Henry and Adam Milne were unavailable for selection due to injuries.
Luke Ronchi, who was named as head coach for the ODI leg of the tour with Gary Stead flying back home after the Pakistan Tests, will also coach the side for the T20Is.
New Zealand's tour of India begins with the ODI series on 18 January in Hyderabad. The T20I series commences on 27 January in Ranchi with the second and third games scheduled to take place in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.
**Squad:**Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Lister, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rippon, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner