Hard-hitting New Zealand batsman Bevon Jacobs has earned a maiden call-up for their T20I series against Sri Lanka, which marks the start of Mitchell Santner’s tenure as white-ball captain.

Jacobs has turned heads since bursting on the domestic scene last year and was a surprise pick-up by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL auction this month.

The Black Caps face Sri Lanka in three T20Is starting Saturday in Mount Maunganui followed by a three-match ODI series from 5 January – their last before the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan.

Jacobs was only included in the T20I squad.

“It’s obviously an exciting time for Bevon and his family,” said selector Sam Wells. “He’s a promising player with a lot of talent and we’re looking forward to exposing him to international cricket.

“He’s clearly got a lot of power with the bat, but he’s also shown in the longer formats that he has a decent technique and temperament.”

Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Matt Henry all return to the white-ball squads after missing last month’s trip to Sri Lanka to prepare for the just-finished England Test series.

Henry leads a youthful pace attack which includes Zac Foulkes, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy and all-rounder Nathan Smith.

Santner is the frontline spin option, alongside all-rounders Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.

Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are playing in South Africa’s SA20 competition and were unavailable while Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) continue their rehabilitation from injury.

© Agence France-Presse

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