One World Cup is over, and within no time the attention has moved to the other - the T20 extravaganza, which is set to take place in less than a year and a half from now. And New Zealand, who had never really come second in the 50-over World Cup but eventually did, are already up and about to find their best suits for their next ICC assignment. They have rested their big men Kane Williamson and Trent Boult, for their first T20I series heading into this phase, reports Cricbuzz.
The two-match Test series that had quite contrasting second-innings batting displays by the Sri Lankans also showed just how well New Zealand could adapt themselves after getting used to the conditions. However, for Tim Southee, who has been handed over the responsibility of leading the side, barring Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill, there isn't much experience to fall back on. He has a largely inexperienced squad at his disposal, with most of the players yet to adjust to the sultry climes of Sri Lanka.
Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell Santner have been around, but this will also present the visitors with a good opportunity to find their best fits, and hopefully even strong back-up options. Even as the pitches are unlikely to turn, the slow nature of it could make big hitting a difficult proposition. Their pace pack is quite flooded, but in the absence of Jimmy Neesham, Boult and Adam Milne, new players could find opportunities.
It's a similar case for the hosts, who will be led by the veteran Lasith Malinga. Without some of their senior players, there are ample opportunities on offer.
They are packed with some power-hitters in the top order, and some exciting young bowlers to accompany Malinga.
They, much unlike New Zealand, are far from finding their settled XI - the regulars as much as the combination. All the experiments so far has led to nothingness. It's been a long struggle already, but to their luxury, there still remains ample time heading into the next World Cup to find the right answers.
One of the concerns they would have on an immediate basis, starting from Sunday's clash in Pallekele, is over Akila Dananjaya, who was recently reported for chucking. Whether Sri Lanka would want to use him in this series remains a question.
