The BLACKCAPS squad for the two National Bank Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka in Wellington on December 22 and Auckland on December 26 has been named.
It is: Stephen Fleming (captain), Andre Adams, Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, James Marshall, Brendon McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Jeetan Patel, Ross Taylor.
Shane Bond will not play in Auckland where his place in the team will be taken by Michael Mason.
In naming the team, coach John Bracewell said: “Our main focus for the season is the World Cup.
“It is essential, if we wish to perform well there, that we provide reconditioning windows for some of our key players, continue to build depth in all areas and provide contingencies in case of injury.
“This Twenty20 series provides a re-conditioning opportunity for Daniel Vettori and then Shane Bond, and others will be provided with that opportunity during the one-day series.
“The selectors have taken this opportunity to see Brendon McCullum open the batting and we couple this chance with providing Peter McGlashan his first game, and he will take the gloves.
“We hope to give Gareth Hopkins an opportunity later in the series as well, but he is injured on this occasion.
Not considered for selection: Jacob Oram (hamstring), Kyle Mills (back to cricket early New Year), Scott Styris (back to cricket early New Year) and Gareth Hopkins (arm muscle injury).
