Young gun gets first New Zealand call-up as speed demons return

Allen was the top-scorer in the recent Super Smash season, blasting 512 runs at an average of 56.88 with a strike rate of 193.93.

The 21-year-old will not be the only player in the group hoping to make their T20I debut, with Will Young also called up to the T20I squad for the first time.

In a boost to New Zealand’s already impressive fast bowling stocks, they also welcome back Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne after injury lay-offs.

Ferguson starred for New Zealand in November’s T20I series against the West Indies, taking seven wickets at 8.00 before succumbing to a back injury. Milne meanwhile will be hoping to play his first match for the Black Caps since November 2018.

Ferguson, Milne and Allen will depart for the IPL immediately after the Bangladesh T20I series, where they will join Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Jimmy Neesham and Tim Seifert, none of whom have been selected for this series.

In Williamson’s absence, Tim Southee will captain the side, having done so on 15 previous occasions. With Seifert not selected, Devon Conway will wear the keeper’s gloves.

All-rounder Daryl Mitchell and spinner Todd Astle also return to the T20 team after featuring in squads before Christmas.

“It’s certainly been a season like no other and once again we’ve had to be pragmatic in our approach,” selector Gavin Larsen said.

“The six guys who will miss this series are incumbents in our T20 side and the decision to give them some time at home with family before they embark on a long stint in India, was principally made with their welfare in mind.

“We’re also very aware of the need to give others opportunities in a World Cup year and it’s great to be able to introduce Finn and Will to the set-up, as well as welcome back Lockie and Adam.

“It’s especially an exciting time for Finn, who will be getting his first taste of the Black Caps environment.

“His Super Smash campaign with the Firebirds was nothing short of outstanding and we believe he has the skills to succeed at the next level.

“We’re delighted to see Lockie and Adam return after working really hard to get back to this point. They are two of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket and it’s fantastic to be able to call on their services, in what is shaping as a big year of T20 cricket.

“Tim’s a great leader in any Black Caps side, we’ve seen how well he’s slipped into the T20 captain’s position in the past and we look forward to him continuing to grow in the role.

“Devon’s wicket-keeping skills are a real asset to have in a squad and we’re keen to ensure he has some international experience in this role to provide us with another option going forward.”

The three-match series begins on Sunday, March 28.

New Zealand squad

Tim Southee (c), Finn Allen, Todd Astle, Hamish Bennett, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Will Young