New Zealand name same 13 who faced England for Sri Lanka Tests

There were no surprises in the 13 New Zealand named for their two-Test series against Sri Lanka that begins on 9 March. All 13 players who featured in their recent 1-1 draw with England were named, with the omissions from that squad being the uncapped seamer Jacob Duffy, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, and the injured Kyle Jamieson.

Tim Southee will lead the squad that is coming off the high of becoming only the fourth team to win after following on, in a dramatic game which they snatched by one run in Wellington to level the series against England. The batting will continue to be anchored by Kane Williamson, with Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Will Young for support. Tom Blundell will continue behind the wicket, with Michael Bracewell the key in the spin department. Neil Wagner, fresh off his signature short-ball exploits against England, will spearhead the pacers along with Southee, the line-up including Matt Henry, Blair Tickner and Scott Kuggeleijn. The two Tests against Sri Lanka are part of the World Test Championship, and while defending champions New Zealand are out of contention for the final, Sri Lanka need to sweep the series 2-0 to have a shot at making the title bout. The first Test will be played in Christchurch, followed by the second in Wellington from 17 March.

NEW ZEALAND TEST SQUAD

Tim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Will Young.