New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson in contention for England T20 series

The seamer fractured his right thumb in Sri Lanka but has been named in the Kiwi XI squad for two warm-up matches on October 27 and 29

Lockie Ferguson will have the chance to stake a claim for a return to the New Zealand T20 side for the series against England after being named in the squad for the warm-up matches against the tourists.

The seamer is part of the 12-man Kiwi XI squad which will face the 50-over world champions on October 27 and 29 at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.

Those matches will act as preparation for the five-match T20 series between the two nations, which starts on November 1 in Christchurch.

Ferguson has not featured since fracturing his right thumb while training in Sri Lanka in September, forcing him to miss the entire series, but he has now made a full recovery.

"The thumb has healed well and I’m looking forward to having a hit-out at Lincoln," he said.

"While it’s obviously frustrating to be side-lined, it’s actually been good to take some time to freshen up and be able to return with plenty of motivation and energy.

"It’s the beginning of a really big summer of cricket and it’s exciting to be starting it against a quality England side."

Bar one practice match against a Sri Lanka Board president's XI, the 28-year-old has not played a competitive game of cricket since the World Cup final defeat to England at Lord's in July.

Wicket-keeper Tim Seifert has also been named in the squad, having played all three matches in Sri Lanka, while Colin Munro has been selected as captain.

New Zealand XI squad: Colin Munro (c), Katene Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Blake Coburn, Anton Devcich, Lockie Ferguson, Jake Gibson, Brett Hampton, Anaru Kitchen, Christian Leopard, Tim Seifert, Anurag Verma