Corey Anderson will return to the BLACKCAPS as a batsman for the upcoming ANZ International Twenty20 Series against Sri Lanka next month.
BLACKCAPS ANZ Twenty20 Squad v Sri Lanka
Kane Williamson (c)
Corey Anderson
Trent Boult
Grant Elliott
Martin Guptill
Mitchell McClenaghan
Adam Milne
Colin Munro
Luke Ronchi
Mitchell Santner
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
BLACKCAPS Squad for final two ANZ ODIs v Sri Lanka
Brendon McCullum (c)
Trent Boult (will return for fifth ODI)
Doug Bracewell
Martin Guptill
Tom Latham
Mitchell McClenaghan
Adam Milne
Henry Nicholls
Luke Ronchi
Mitchell Santner
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
Kane Williamson
*One player will be released for fifth ODI
The Twenty20 squad play two matches against Sri Lanka, the first on 7 January at Mount Maunganui, before heading to Auckland for Sri Lanka’s final match of the tour.
Anderson will return to the side having last played an international in May during the BLACKCAPS tour of the UK. He has recently featured for the SKYCTIY Northern Knights as a batsman only.
BLACKCAPS Coach Mike Hesson said that would remain Anderson’s role at this stage.
“It’s been a long process for Corey, but we’ve been happy with his recent progress and the fact he’s managed to string a few games together for the Knights,” said Hesson.
“We’ve got a plan in place for when we hope to have Corey back bowling. He’s getting closer, but we’ll be taking a precautionary approach.
“We’ve seen how dynamic a batsmen he is and can threaten any bowling attack in the world. It’ll be great to have him back in the mix.
“We’re also looking forward to having Grant back with us after recovering from the from his arm injury. He brings a lot to the squad and obviously has experience in pressure moments, which is key to batting in the middle order in Twenty20.”
With the ICC World Twenty20 in India in March, Hesson said these matches would provide key preparation.
“These will be our first Twenty20s of the summer and with the World Cup just around the corner these are two of the five games that the players can use to push their case for selection, but also more importantly win games for New Zealand.
"It’s a side with a good balance of talent and experience."
Nathan McCullum was not available for selection due to a knee injury. He’s on track to return to the Ford Trophy in mid-January.
