Canterbury allrounder Todd Astle has been named in the Black Caps squad to take on Pakistan in the three match ANZ Twenty20 Series beginning this Friday.
Astle, who has yet to play an International Twenty20, has featured once for the Black Caps in a test against Sri Lanka in 2012.
Coach Mike Hesson said Astle deserved his chance.
"Todd had a solid campaign in this year's Georgie Pie Super Smash and has been a consistent performer for Canterbury over a number of seasons," said Hesson.
"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.
"He'll get an opportunity to play at some point against Pakistan, in what will be a tough series.
Tom Latham, who also provides wicket keeper cover, comes into the squad for the opening match as Ross Taylor is rested and will join the squad in Hamilton. Ish Sodhi will return to the Ford Trophy competition.
Nathan McCullum was unavailable for selection due to a knee injury and is targeting a return for the SBS Otago Volts on 17 January.
Squad: Kane Williamson (c), 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 (will miss the first game).
