New Zealand hand chance to Henry Nicholls as pace duo are rested

New Zealand have included uncapped Canterbury batsman Henry Nicholls in their squad for the first three games of their five-match one-day series against Sri Lanka.

The 24-year-old left-hander was the second top run-scorer in last season's domestic one-day competition and topped the averages at 75.66. He also scored 144 for New Zealand A against Sri Lanka A in Christchurch in October.

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said: "Henry has earned his spot after consistent performances over the last 12 months and during the New Zealand A campaign he was superb across all forms.

"He is a player who has got class and he's someone we want to expose to the international scene sooner rather than later so we're excited to see how he goes."

Fast bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee have been rested for the start of the series.

Boult will miss the first three games in Christchurch on December 26 and 28 and in Nelson on December 31, while Southee will be absent for the Christchurch fixtures with Matt Henry standing in.

"Both Trent and Tim by the time we get to the next Test [against Sri Lanka] would have played five Tests in a row," Hesson said.

"It's a long season and we need some fresh legs steaming in at the first ODI."

Injured all-rounders Corey Anderson, Jimmy Neesham and Grant Elliott all remain on the sidelines.

Elliott is closing in on a return after breaking his arm in a domestic match, while Anderson and Neesham have been struggling with back injuries.

"Corey is running in a bit harder than he has and is starting to increase his loads but it is likely he could be considered for the T20 as a batsman," Hesson said. "We hope by the back end of the season he will play a role with the ball.

"In terms of James, he's a long way off from bowling at the moment but it's nice to see him back playing cricket again."

The final two games of the series are on January 2 in Nelson and January 5 in Mount Maunganui before Sri Lanka end the tour with two Twenty20 internationals.

Squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Doug Bracewell, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry (first two matches), Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, George Worker, Tim Southee (will join squad for third ODI).

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