Cantabrian Todd Astle will make his international Twenty20 debut this Friday after being named in the Black Caps squad to play in the three-match series against Pakistan.
Coach Mike Hesson says Astle's performances for Canterbury meant he was a shoo-in for the series.
“Todd had a solid campaign in this year's Georgie Pie Super Smash and has been a consistent performer for Canterbury over a number of seasons,” Hesson said.
"He’ll get an opportunity to play at some point against Pakistan, in what will be a tough series."
And Hesson said the 29-year-old will suit the conditions the squad will see at the World Twenty20 tournament in March.
“With the spin friendly conditions we’re likely to play in during the ICC World Twenty20 in India, it’s important we have all of our bases covered and Todd is certainly an option for us."
Tom Latham will fill in for Ross Taylor in the first game to give the batsman a rest, with Ish Sodhi returning to domestic cricket.
Black Caps Twenty20 Squad to play Pakistan:
Kane Williamson (C), Corey Anderson,Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (first game only), Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ross Taylor (will miss the first game)
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