New Zealand batter Bevon Jacobs received his maiden national team call-up for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka, the country’s cricket body confirmed on Monday.
He made the headlines when Indian Premier League (IPL) side Mumbai bought the unheralded 21-year-old batter for 3 million Indian rupees ($35,595) at the IPL auction in Saudi Arabia last month.
“It’s obviously an exciting time for Bevon and his family,” said selector Sam Wells.
“He’s a promising player with a lot of talent and we’re looking forward to exposing him to international cricket. 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,” he added.
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The Blackcaps face Sri Lanka in three T20s starting on Saturday in Mount Maunganui, followed by a three-match ODI series from January 5, their last before the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan.
The three-match series will also be Mitchell Santner’s first tenure as full-time captain, after taking over the role from Kane Williamson.
New Zealand squads:
T20
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
ODI
Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young