NEW Zealand will be without captain Daniel Vettori and vice-captain Brendon McCullum for the one-day international tri-series with Sri Lanka and India in July. Vettori will remain at home for the birth of his second child after playing over 200 consecutive matches for his country, while McCullum is being rested.
Ross Taylor will captain the side and Kyle Mills will be his deputy in Sri Lanka.
New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch said: “With Daniel not touring Sri Lanka, it provides an opportunity for Ross to further develop his captaincy skills. Ross was vice-captain for a portion of last season and did a great job leading New Zealand to victory against Australia in Napier earlier in the year when Daniel was injured.”
The squad also sees the return of Wellington all-rounder Grant Elliot and Jesse Ryder, who sustained an elbow injury during the World Twenty20 in the West Indies.
Exciting 19-year-old Northern Districts prospect Kane Williamson earns his first overseas tour with the national side after being called into the Test squad for the Australian series earlier this year.
Taylor said captaining New Zealand was a special moment in his career.
“While it will be a tough tour against quality opposition, it represents a good opportunity for players to experience sub-continent conditions, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon,” the Central Districts batsman said.
Fast bowler Ian Butler was not considered because of injury.
New Zealand squad to tour Sri Lanka: Ross Taylor (captain), Grant Elliot, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Nathan McCullum, Andy McKay, Kyle Mills (vice-captain), Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, B.J. Watling, Kane Williamson.