Auckland power-hitter Colin Munro has been named in the BLACKCAPS ANZ ODI squad to take on Pakistan in the three-match series beginning on Monday at the Basin Reserve.
BLACKCAPS ANZ ODI Squad v Pakistan
Corey Anderson
Trent Boult
Grant Elliott
Martin Guptill
Matt Henry
Tom Latham (first two ANZ ODIs)
Brendon McCullum (third ANZ ODI)
Mitchell McClenaghan
Adam Milne
Colin Munro
Henry Nicholls
Luke Ronchi (first ANZ ODI)
Mitchell Santner
BJ Watling (second and third ANZ ODIs)
Kane Williamson
Ross Taylor has meanwhile been today ruled out of both the ANZ ODI Series against Pakistan and Chappell-Hadlee ODI series against Australia after suffering an oblique sidestrain to his left side while batting in the final ANZ Twenty20 last night. Taylor will leave the squad to begin rehab, and will continue to be monitored.
Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi will play the opening ANZ ODI before being replaced by BJ Watling for the following two matches. Brendon McCullum is targeting a return to the side for the third ANZ ODI, while Southee won’t feature as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.
Coach Mike Hesson says he is pleased with the experience and balance the squad offers.
“Colin was impressive with the bat during the recent ANZ Twenty20 series, but he’s also selected on his ability to give us another option with the ball,” said Hesson.
“With Grant and Corey coming back into the squad, our middle order has a lot of experience and looks similar to the one we took into last year’s World Cup.
“We’ve talked about the importance of creating depth in all positions and bringing BJ into the side for the second and third games will give him some time against the white ball. It also gives Luke a week off, ahead of a busy upcoming schedule.
“With the pitches we’re playing on, we’ve opted for the one spin option. It gives Mitch Santner more responsibility as he’ll likely be asked to bowl more overs, which will be a good opportunity for his development.
“Obviously Grant and Corey are also options for us with the ball, so we feel like we’ve got our bases covered.”
Meanwhile, the ICC has released its latest ODI player rankings and Trent Boult will head into the Series for the first time as the world's official new number one ODI bowler.
First ANZ ODI: 11am Monday 25 January at the Basin Reserve, Wellington
Second ANZ ODI: 2pm Thursday 28 January at McLean Park, Napier
Third ANZ ODI: 11am Sunday 31 January at Eden Park, Auckland
