Cricket: Astle named in Black Caps squad

Canterbury legspinner Todd Astle has been recalled to the New Zealand squad for the three-game T20 series against Pakistan.

Astle played one test, a 167-run win over Sri Lanka in late 2012, but has been a solid performer for Canterbury in all forms.

"Todd had a solid campaign in this year's Georgie Pie Super Smash and has been a consistent performer for Canterbury over a number of seasons," said coach Mike Hesson.

"With the spin friendly conditions we're likely to play in during the world T20 in India, it's important we have all of our bases covered and Todd is certainly an option for us."

Astle replaces Northern Districts legspinner Ish Sodhi from the squad which beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in the last few days.

Tom Latham is in the squad for the first game only, at Eden Park next Friday. Ross Taylor will sit that game out.

Veteran offspinner Nathan McCullum remains unavailable due to a knee injury but is aiming to return for Otago next Sunday.

New Zealand T20 squad to play Pakistan at Eden Park on Friday, at Hamilton's Seddon Park on Sunday and at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on January 22 is:

Kane Williamson (c), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham (first game only), Colin Munro, Corey Anderson, Ross Taylor (second and third games only), Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Todd Astle, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Mitch McClenaghan, Trent Boult.