Cricket: Milne called in to Black Caps

Central Districts pace bowler Adam Milne is the shock selection in the New Zealand squad for the world Twenty20 tournament to be played in Sri Lank next month. Photo / Getty Images.

Central Districts pace bowler Adam Milne is the shock selection in the New Zealand squad for the world Twenty20 tournament to be played in Sri Lanka next month.

New Zealand Cricket announced the 15-strong squad today that will contest the global tournament and also play two Twenty20 encounters against India in the subcontinent on September 8 and 11.

Milne played two Twenty20 internationals for New Zealand against Pakistan as an 18-year-old in late 2010 but struggled to make an impact, but his ability to bowl with raw pace has seen him earn another opportunity.

National selection manager, Kim Littlejohn said: "The squad has a good balance for Twenty20 cricket with explosive batsmen and a good mix of pace and spin bowlers.

"Adam Milne has impressed during his time with the winter development squad and his extra pace offers something a little different. We are confident he will have an impact in international cricket and will seize this opportunity.

"The squad also welcomes back James Franklin, who has been playing for Twenty20 cricket for Essex in the county competition.''

The Canterbury trio of Andrew Ellis, Tom Latham and Dean Brownlie have all missed selection from the Twenty20 squad that was beaten 2-0 by the West Indies in Florida recently.

Roneel Hira and Daniel Vettori are expected to overcome minor injury concerns in time for the two matches against India.

The ICC world twenty20 tournament sees the Black caps in Group D alongside Pakistan and Bangladesh, with their first pool match against Pakistan on September 21 before they meet Bangladesh on September 23 to decide who will go through to the next round.

Squad: Martin Guptill (Auckland Aces), Roneel Hira (Canterbury Wizards), Rob Nicol (Canterbury Wizards), Brendon McCullum (Otago Volts), Nathan McCullum (Otago Volts), Kyle Mills (Auckland Aces), Adam Milne (Central Stags), Jacob Oram (Central Stags), Tim Southee (Northern Knights), Daniel Vettori (Northern Knights), BJ Watling (Northern Knights), Kane Williamson (Northern Knights)