Kiwi squad: Corey Anderson returns for ODI series vs India

Corey Anderson is set to return to the international arena after New Zealand included him in the squad for a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against India.

 

Anderson, who last played for New Zealand during the World T20 in India, suffered a back injury that had ruled him out of the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

 

He proved his fitness in three matches for New Zealand XI against an Emerging XI at Christchurch last week. The selectors have decided to use Anderson as a specialist batsman against India.

 

NZC selector Gavin Larsen said Anderson's rehab would continue to be monitored and praised the all-rounder for his work ethic.

 

"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," said Larsen.

 

"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," he added.

 

Experienced pacer Tim Southee, missed out on making it the squad for the forthcoming Test series against India after straining an ankle ligament but has found a place in the 15-member ODI squad. While the BlackCaps included Henry Nicholls in the Test side, they chose to drop him from the limited-overs format.

 

Anton Devcich, Jimmy Neesham and wicketkeeper BJ Watling have also been recalled to the squad for the series beginning in Dharamsala on October 16.

 

"India conditions are known to be quite harsh, so it's important that we have cover for all positions," Larsen explained the reason behind dropping Nicholas.

 

"Luke Ronchi and BJ Watling provide us with wicketkeeping and middle-order cover, while Anton is another spin option for us and can bat anywhere in the order.

 

"The last time we played ODIs was in the Chappell-Hadlee series and victory there helped us reach World No.2.  We obviously want to keep growing on that, and this series is another massive challenge for us," he added.

 

Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro and George Worker were unavailable for selection due to injury.

 

New Zealand's 15-member 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 (wk).