Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert will likely debut for New Zealand in Thursday’s first ODI against Sri Lanka at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Seifert has played seven T20Is, but has not yet been capped in the intermediate format of the international game.

The hosts’ squad is minus a few rested stars, including wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme.

All-rounder James Neesham and seamer Doug Bracewell have been recalled.

There are some players that have been rested, and that’s all part of a bigger picture. I’m excited for a number of guys who get the nod on Thursday,’ said captain Kane Williamson.

Visiting captain Lasith Malinga, meanwhile, has insisted Sri Lanka’s preparation for the 2019 World Cup will start in earnest.

‘There’s not time to rebuild – the World Cup is this year. Now we have to find who is the best in Sri Lankan cricket,’ said Malinga.

‘The last three or four years we’ve struggled for consistency, but a lot of the young players are getting good opportunities. Now is the time to stand up and show our character.

‘The last couple of series we’ve performed well at the end of the tournament – what people have to understand is that we have to perform well when the series starts.’

Sri Lanka last played ODI cricket in New Zealand three years ago, when the home side won the five-match series three-one. There was one washout. Mainga was not part of that series.

‘We need to consolidate our first 10 overs, how we’re going to address the conditions, how we build a good partnership – then we have time to accelerate at the end of the innings,’ he added.

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