Hard-hitting New Zealand batsman Bevon Jacobs earned a maiden call-up Monday for their T20 series against Sri Lanka, which marks the start of Mitchell Santner's tenure as white-ball captain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jacobs has turned heads since bursting on the domestic scene last year and was a surprise pick-up by Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League auction this month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Blackcaps face Sri Lanka in three T20s starting Saturday in Mount Maunganui followed by a three-match ODI series from January 5 -- their last before the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jacobs was only included in the T20 squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's obviously an exciting time for Bevon and his family," said selector Sam Wells.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He's a promising player with a lot of talent and we're looking forward to exposing him to international cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He's clearly got a lot of power with the bat, but he's also shown in the longer formats that he has a decent technique and temperament."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Matt Henry all return to the white-ball squads after missing last month's trip to Sri Lanka to prepare for the just-finished England Test series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Henry leads a youthful pace attack which includes Zac Foulkes, Will O'Rourke, Jacob Duffy and all-rounder Nathan Smith.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Santner is the frontline spin option, alongside all-rounders Ravindra, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are playing in South Africa's SA20 competition and were unavailable while Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) continue their rehabilitation from injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
T20 squad:<\/strong> Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith<\/p>\r\n\r\n