Astle named for Pakistan T20s

Wellington - All-rounder Todd Astle has been recalled to the New Zealand squad for its three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan, three years after making his international debut.

Astle made his solitary appearance for New Zealand in a test against Sri Lanka in 2012 and has yet to play a one-day or Twenty20 international.

He has been named in the squad for Friday's opening match against Pakistan at Eden Park, replacing leg spinner Ish Sodhi as New Zealand continues to examine selection options ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in March.

Opener Tom Latham takes over from Ross Taylor, who is being rested for the first match of the Pakistan series but will return for the second in Hamilton.

Coach Mike Hesson said Astle had been a consistent performer for his Canterbury province in recent season and will "get an opportunity to play at some point against Pakistan in what will be a tough series."

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Mark Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ross Taylor.