Wellington, Dec 23 (NationPress) New Zealand 'A' left-arm orthodox bowler Jayden Lennox has received his inaugural call-up to the Black Caps squad, as New Zealand Cricket announced a well-rounded team with rotating players for both the one-day and T20 series set to take place in India next month.

The NZC has selected squads that blend seasoned white-ball specialists, such as Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell, with newcomers like Lennox and Kristian Clarke, aiming to assemble an optimal lineup for a series crucial for preparing the team for the forthcoming T20 World Cup.

Lennox finds himself in the ODI squad, alongside the uncapped Kristian Clarke, and emerging talents Adi Ashok, Josh Clarkson, Nick Kelly, and recent Test debutant Michael Rae.

The Head Coach of the Black Caps, Rob Walter, expressed his satisfaction with Lennox's development through the NZC high-performance program. “Jayden has long been on our radar and boasts considerable experience with New Zealand 'A'. He has consistently excelled in domestic white-ball cricket for several seasons.”

Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner are poised to return for New Zealand, with Jamieson rejoining both the ODI and T20 teams, while Santner appears in the T20 squad only, following his groin injury recovery.

During Santner's absence, Michael Bracewell will captain the ODI squad, supported by an experienced leadership group including Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, and Henry Nicholls.

Test captain Tom Latham and frontline pace bowler Matt Henry will miss the ODI series, with Latham remaining in New Zealand for the birth of his third child and Henry continuing his rehabilitation from a calf tear ahead of the T20 series and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday.

Nathan Smith (side), Blair Tickner (shoulder), and Mark Chapman (ankle) were excluded from the ODI squad as they follow their respective recovery plans. Chapman is on track to participate in the T20 series.

Ben Sears has returned from Melbourne but was not selected for the ODI team as he continues his rehabilitation program. Sears is showing good progress and is expected to be ready for the Super Smash. Kane Williamson is unavailable for ODI selection due to commitments in the SA20 league.

Mitch Hay will take on wicket-keeping duties for the ODI series, while Devon Conway will don the gloves for the T20 matches. Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra will both rest from the ODI series after prolonged participation in cricket since the home summer commenced.

Following the three ODIs, New Zealand will engage in five T20Is in India, serving as their final preparation for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in February and March.

The significance of this series before the T20 World Cup is emphasized by Coach Rob Walter. “Competing in the subcontinent differs greatly from conditions in New Zealand, so any chance to acclimate our players to those environments is invaluable, especially ahead of a T20 World Cup in the subcontinent.”

Alongside Santner, Chapman and Henry are also set to make a comeback to the T20 squad after recovering from their respective injuries.

Batsmen Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson return to the T20 lineup after showcasing remarkable performances in their domestic teams. Jacobs has an average of 54 over his last seven innings, including one century, while Robinson averages over 60 across his last nine innings, featuring two centuries.

James Neesham and Ish Sodhi also rejoin the Black Caps squad, with Neesham recently participating in the Nepal Premier League and ILT20. Sodhi returns from his domestic commitments with Canterbury.

New IPL-contracted players Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes have been selected following impressive performances throughout the domestic season, with Foulkes set to experience T20 cricket in India for the first time.

Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert will join the squad in India once their franchise obligations are fulfilled, allowing them to participate in the latter part of the T20 series ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The T20 World Cup squad will be revealed in mid-January.

ODI Squad for India

Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young

T20 Squad v India

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi.

Unavailable due to injury: Will O’Rourke (back), Blair Tickner (shoulder), Nathan Smith (side)