Cricket: Henry Nicholls gets Black Caps call up

Henry Nicholls, 24, has had a solid season so far, hitting 210 runs at 84.5 against Sri Lanka A in October and in 34 List A games averages 44.07 with a strike rate of 89.18. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury batsman Henry Nicholls is the new name in New Zealand's squad for the start of their ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Lefthander Nicholls, 24, has had a solid season so far, hitting 210 runs at 84.5 against Sri Lanka A in October and in 34 List A games averages 44.07 with a strike rate of 89.18. He has been on the selectors' radar for the last few months.

"He's earned his spot through consistent performances over the last 12 months," national coach Mike Hesson said.

"He's a player we see has class and who we want to expose to the international scene sooner rather than later."

There's a confidence around several up pand coming players who are pushing hard for an opportunity.

"We've got a few batsmen who just on cusp really of pushing their claims, and there's a few guys around the top of the order who are good strokeplayers who Gav (fellow selector Larsen) or I could pick any of, and be confident they could do a job.

"We're in a nice position," Hesson added.

Swing bowler Trent Boult will sit the first three games out, after playing five straight tests against Australia and Sri Lanka - taking in this week's second test in Hamilton -- while Tim Southee has at least the first two games off.

In their absence, Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Adam Milne and Mitch McClenaghan will split the fast-medium duties.

Legspinner Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner share the spinners' role with veteran Nathan McCullum now seen as a purely T20 option.

New Zealand squad for the first three ODIs against Sri Lanka, starting in Christchurch on December 26:

Brendon McCullum (c), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, George Worker, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Matt Henry (first two only), Tim Southee (third game only).