New Zealand All-Rounder Todd Astle Named in Squad for Pakistan T20s
Todd Astle made his solitary appearance for New Zealand in a Test against Sri Lanka in 2012 and has yet to play a one-day or Twenty20 international.
Allrounder Todd Astle has been recalled to the New Zealand squad for their three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan, three years after making his international debut. (New Zealander Colin Munro Slams 14-Ball Fifty)
Astle made his solitary appearance for New Zealand in a Test against Sri Lanka in 2012 and has yet to play a one-day or Twenty20 international.
He has been named in the squad for Friday's opening match against Pakistan at Eden Park, replacing leg-spinner Ish Sodhi as New Zealand continue to examine selection options ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in March. (No Special Restrictions on Mohammad Amir in New Zealand: Intikhab Alam)
Opener Tom Latham takes over from Ross Taylor, who is being rested for the first match of the Pakistan series but will return for the second in Hamilton.
Coach Mike Hesson said Astle had been a consistent performer for his Canterbury province in recent season and will "get an opportnity to play at some point against Pakistan in what will be a tough series." (Pakistan Ban Umar Akmal For First New Zealand Twenty20)
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Mark Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ross Taylor.