Henry Nicholls makes it to the New Zealand ODI squad

Henry Nicholls makes it to the New Zealand ODI squad: Uncapped New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls has been included in the New Zealand cricket squad for the first three matches of a five-match one-day international series against Sri Lanka, beginning on Dec 26. Nicholls, from Canterbury province, was the leading scorer in New Zealand’s domestic one-day competition last year, averaging 75.66.

Coach Mike Hesson said the 24-year-old “has been knocking on the door for a while and shown impressive consistency over the last year for both Canterbury and New Zealand A. He’s still young and a real talent.”

Fast bowler Trent Boult will be rested for the first three ODIs while his new ball mate Tim Southee will miss the first two and return for the third, replacing Matt Henry.

Hesson was pleased Milne had made an encouraging comeback from a heel injury suffered against Sri Lanka A for the Central Stags in the Super Smash.

“He’s bowling fast which is good, he’s feeling good. We also see his batting developing nicely for us and hopefully he’ll get further opportunities there.”

Two-test spinner Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi are the spinning options given limited overs specialist Nathan McCullum is only an option for the T20 format as he manages back issues

“We have number of promising spinners and looking to the tournaments ahead (including the World T20 in India in March), Mitch and Ish are going to need some opportunities,” Hesson said.

Meanwhile, World Cup hero Grant Elliott is still unavailable after fracturing his wrist while training with Wellington last month though might return when the squad is reselected.

New Zealand squad for the first three ODIs against Sri Lanka, starting in Christchurch on December 26:

Brendon McCullum (c), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, George Worker, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Matt Henry (first two only), Tim Southee (third game only).