Aggressive Kiwi opener Martin Guptill has returned to the New Zealand One-Day International squad after missing the T20 International series against India. Colin Munro couldn’t make his place in the Kiwi squad for the first two ODIs of the three-match series, which hosts will play against Bangladesh from February 13.
Guptill had some back issues before the fifth ODI against India and was left out from the playing XI. The following day, he was ruled out from the following T20I series as well. However, after passing the fitness test, the seasoned opener is back in the 14-man squad.
Also Read: Guptill has been ruled out of India T20Is
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson has been rested from the third ODI, to be played on February 20. Munro will replace him in the squad for the final game of the series.
New Zealand Cricket selector Gavin Larsen said they are aiming to end their white-ball campaign at home on a high with the World Cup around the corner. “It’s an exciting time for the players and coaches alike as we look to sign-off our home summer of white-ball cricket. Undoubtedly the World Cup is looming large, but we’re very much focused on the series ahead and the type of cricket we want to play,” Larsen said in a media release on Saturday.
“We’re delighted to have Martin back on the park for this series; he’s a world-class player and an integral part of our one-day side. He and Henry did a good job opening up in Hamilton against India and they’re a combination we want to see some more of in this series, before Colin returns to the top for the third game with Kane resting.”
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Talking about the two spinners in the side, Larsen said, “We’ve been really pleased with Mitchell’s (Santner) return after a serious knee surgery last year and we’ll continue to monitor him through the rest of the season. Todd’s (Astle) another who is returning from a knee injury and after getting limited opportunities against India, we’re keen to see more of him in this series.”
Tom Latham, the only specialist wicket-keeper in the squad, will lead the squad in Williamson’s absence.
Full Squad: Kane Williamson (c) [for first two ODIs], Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Colin Munro (for 3rd ODI)
