New Zealand cricket has named leg-spinning all-rounder Todd Astle in its 13-man squad for a World Twenty20 warmup series against Pakistan.
Astle, who played one Test for New Zealand three years ago, replaces legspinner Ish Sodhi from the squad that swept Sri Lanka in their two-match series.
“With the spin-friendly conditions we’re likely to play in during the ICC World Twenty20 in India, it’s important we have all of our bases covered and Todd is certainly an option for us,” Hesson said in a statement.
“He’ll get an opportunity to play at some point against Pakistan, in what will be a tough series.”
New Zealand host Pakistan in the opener of the series at Eden Park on Friday, followed by matches in Hamilton and Wellington.
The World T20 starts in India in March.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Corey Anderson, Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (first game only), Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ross Taylor (second and third games)
