The big-hitting left-hander Corey Anderson makes a return to the New Zealand team after the Black Caps selectors named a 15-man ODI squad for the series against India. While much of the focus at the moment is on the upcoming Test series, there were a few interesting choices made in the final 15.
Anderson has been out of the team since early this year owing to a back injury, and just like Jimmy Neesham was picked for the Tests after proving his return to fitness, the former played three matches for a New Zealand XI to show he is ready to be considered.
However, Anderson will play the ODIs only as a batsman, with that back still not quite ready for the rigours of international bowling.
"Corey's superb professionalism throughout his rehab process has led to this point, and it's a credit to him and the hard work he's put in," selector Gavin Larsen said. "We're excited to have Corey back. He provides power through the middle-order and knows the conditions in India well.
"He's still working on his bowling and we'll continue to monitor that, but for this series he will be used solely as a specialist batsman."
The other names coming in are Neesham, Anton Devcich and BJ Watling, with no place in the squad for Henry Nicholls, considering the three players are more than capable of acting as solid batting cover, with their all-round skills working in their favour as well. Colin Munro, the hard-hitting batsman, and fast bowlers Mitchell McClenaghan, so successful in Indian conditions, and Adam Milne were not considered owing to injuries. Tim Southee, who was ruled out of the Test matches because of an ankle problem, is in the ODI squad.
"India conditions are known to be quite harsh, so it's really important that we have cover for all positions," Larsen added.
"Luke Ronchi and BJ Watling provides us with wicketkeeping and middle-order cover, while Anton is another spin option for us and can bat anywhere in the order."
New Zealand play five ODIs against India, from October 16-29.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (C), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Anton Devcich, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling.
