Wellington, April 3 -- New Zealand have swung a surprise by naming experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell as their captain for this month's five-match T20I series against Pakistan.

Bracewell has not played an international match since March last year and as only recently returned to domestic duties following injury concerns that have included a ruptured Achilles and a broken finger, as per ICC.

But with the likes of Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner skipping the tour due to duties in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Bracewell earns a call-up to captain the Kiwis in the five-match series in Pakistan that will provide both teams quality practice ahead of June's ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

New Zealand selector Sam Wells was thrilled to...