Santner to make NZ return

Mitchell Santner will return to the Black Caps from injury in the Twenty20 match against Sri Lanka in Auckland next week.

The spin-bowling all-rounder has been named in a 13-man squad for the Eden Park encounter on January 11, which will see Tim Southee captain the side with regular skipper Kane Williamson being rested. Santner hasn’t played for the Black Caps since knee surgery last March.

‘‘He’s a quality player coming off a long injury lay-off,’’ Southee said.

‘‘He’s very important – we saw last summer he made massive strides, not only with the ball but with the bat as well.’’

With Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme also rested, Northern Districts’ quick-bowling all-rouder Scott Kuggeleijn is poised to make his T20 international debut.

‘‘He had a little taste a couple of years ago in Ireland,’’ Southee said of Kuggeleijn, who played two ODIs for NZ against Ireland in May 2017.

‘‘I’m sure he’s been hungry for more international cricket and he’s got a chance now to show what he’s got in the T20 format.’’

The two stars of Thursday’s ODI win, Martin Guptill and Jimmy Neesham, are also in the squad.

Adam Milne and Corey Anderson were not considered for selection as they continue to strive for full fitness, while leg-spinning all-rounder Todd Astle is likely to return from injury to play for Canterbury in the near future.

Batting coach Craig McMillan will take guide the side as head coach Gary Stead takes a break before the Indian series.