Blackcaps vs India: Super Smash form rewarded with national call-ups for Daryl Mitchell and Blair Tickner

The Blackcaps could potentially unleash two uncapped players during the upcoming T20 series against India.

Northern Knights batsman Daryl Mitchell and Central Stags fast bowler Blair Tickner have earned their first international call-ups.

Mitchell, son of former All Black coach Jon Mitchell, has had a stellar campaign for the Knights in the domestic Super Smash competition leading to his selection for all three games, while Tickner will replace paceman Lockie Ferguson for the final match in Hamilton.

Chief selector Gavin Larsen said Mitchell's outstanding efforts for the Knights won over the selectors.

"Both Daryl and Blair have been rewarded for the strong form they’ve produced in domestic cricket," said Larsen.

"They've been there or thereabouts for most of the season and both featured in our NZ A short-format teams.

"Daryl has shown his value with the bat and also tends to bowl at some tough times for the Knights, and Blair is well-respected among his team-mates and opponents alike as someone who bowls a heavy ball at good pace."

Blair Tickner in action.
Blair Tickner in action. Photo credit: Photosport

Other changes to the most recent T20 outing against Sri Lanka include the return of captain Kane Williamson in place of Henry Nicholls.

The three-game series against India will be double-headers alongside the White Ferns and India women, who will play beforehand on the same pitch.

Blackcaps T20 squad v India:

Kane Williamson (c), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson (Games 1 & 2),  Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Blair Tickner (Game 3)

The three-match series gets underway next Wednesday in Wellington.

Newshub.

Join us at 3pm Thursday for live updates of the fourth Blackcaps vs India ODI at Hamilton.