Nicholls Earns Debut, Pace Bowlers Rested

The Black Caps have announced the squad to face Sri Lanka for the opening three ODI's.

Canterbury batsman Henry Nicholls has been included for the first two matches, while Trent Boult has been omitted due to fatigue.

Nicholls finished as the second top run scorer and has averaged 75 with the bat in domestic cricket.

Coach Mike Hesson said Nicholls thoroughly deserves his place.

"Henry has earned his spot through consistent performance over the last twelve months, during the NZ A campaign he was exceptional, certainly a standout player in that campaign in all forms of the game."

Tim Southee will replace Matt Henry for the third ODI, and Ish Sodhi and Adam Mile return after being left out due to form and injury respectively.

Hesson said Milne's involvement throughout the series is still up in the air.

"He's bowling fast at the moment, which is good - he's feeling good. He's going to play in this Plunket Shield match before Christmas with limited overs, but he will still play a role there."

Hesson said it makes sense to give Southee and Boult some time away.

"Trent and Tim, by the time we get to the one day series, will have played five tests in a row so it's a long season, and we need some fresh legs steaming in come that first ODI."

Grant Elliott and Nathan McCullum weren't considered due to injury.

The full squad is Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, George Worker, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Matt Henry and Tim Southee.

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