Allrounders Corey Anderson and Grant Elliott will return from injury for New Zealand's two-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka next week.
Usual captain Brendon McCullum has been rested from the games in Mt Maunganui on January 7 and in Auckland three days later, with Kane Williamson to lead the hosts.
New Zealand Coach Mike Hesson says the series will mark the beginning of their preparation for the World Twenty20 tournament in India in March. McCullum won't play that tournament, having announced he will retire in February.
Anderson will play as a batsman only as he continues his recovery from a lingering back injury.
It will be veteran Elliott's first international since August, having broken his arm in training with Wellington two months ago.
The absence has been longer for the hard-hitting Anderson, who was forced home from the tour of England in May.
Coach Mike Hesson says the 25-year-old has shown encouraging signs at domestic level for Northern Districts over the past six weeks to earn inclusion in the 13-man squad.
"We've got a plan in place for when we hope to have Corey back bowling. He's getting closer, but we'll be taking a precautionary approach," Hesson said.
"We've seen how dynamic a batsmen he is and can threaten any bowling attack in the world. It'll be great to have him back in the mix."
Experienced spin bowler Nathan McCullum wasn't available for selection as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
He is expected to return to domestic cricket in mid-January, leaving the door ajar for spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi to impress against Sri Lanka.
NZ Twenty20 squad:
Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Colin Munro, Corey Anderson, Grant Elliott, Mitchell Santner, Luke Ronchi, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult
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