Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Opening batsman Martin Guptill has returned to New Zealand’s ODI squad for the first two games of the five-match series against Pakistan.

Guptill missed the Black Caps’ last ODI assignment, which came against the West Indies, as he was recovering from a hamstring injury.

Now that he is fully fit and currently playing in the Twenty20 series against the men from the Caribbean, Guptill has regained his spot in the ODI squad.

However, with Guptill back, batsman George Worker has been dropped, even though he made two half-centuries in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies.

“It’s tough on George missing out, but he’ll continue to push for selection and will get further opportunities down the road,” New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said. “Martin is a proven world-class player, so we’re naturally thrilled to have him back in the mix. He and Colin (Munro) have been strong for us at the top of the order.”

New Zealand will also be without all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme. The 31-year-old was ruled out of the ongoing series against the West Indies as he returned to Harare following his father’s death. Despite having returned to New Zealand, De Grandhomme will play domestic cricket for Auckland. However, it is understood that he could feature in the last three ODIs against Pakistan.

Mitchell Santner and Todd Astle have been retained as New Zealand’s all-rounders as both players fared well in the ODI series against the West Indies.

Astle made his debut during the series and picked up four wickets, while also making a career-best 49 in the second ODI.

“Todd made the most of his opportunity against the West Indies and made a strong contribution with both bat and ball,” Larsen said. “Mitchell has been one of our most consistent white-ball bowlers for a long time now, as can be seen by him being ranked in the top 10 ODI bowlers in the world. Conditions will dictate whether they play in the same eleven, but it’s certainly not out of the question.”

The ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan gets underway on January 6 in Wellington.

New Zealand’s squad for the first two ODIs: Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Doug Bracewell, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptil, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor

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