Blundell replaces Phillips for deciding T20

Wellington wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has been drafted into the BLACKCAPS T20 squad ahead of the decider against Pakistan on Sunday.

Blundell comes in for Glenn Phillips, who BLACKCAPS Coach Mike Hesson said would return to play in the Ford Trophy.

“After discussion with Glenn, we felt he’d benefit from going back and continuing to evolve his game with Auckland,” said Hesson.

“Glenn has a big future, but at this point in time we both think continuing to get experience on the domestic scene is the right move.

“Tom’s ability to slot into the middle-order made him the right choice to come into the squad.

"Looking beyond Sunday’s game, we have a top three who are very set, so it’s important Tom can come into that middle-order and do a role for us.”

The BLACKCAPS play the third and final T20 against Pakistan at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The side to travel over to Australia for the T20 on February 3 will be announced on Monday.