Ross Taylor ruled out, Colin Munro in ODI squad

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has been ruled out of both the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan and Australia, after suffering an oblique left side strain while batting in the T20I on Friday night in Wellington. Taylor will leave the squad to begin rehabilitation and continue to be monitored.

Colin Munro comes into the ODI squad to take on Pakistan in the three-match series beginning on Monday at the Basin Reserve while wicket-keeper batsman Luke Ronchi will play the opening ODI, before being replaced by BJ Watling for the following two matches. Brendon McCullum is targeting a return to the side for the third ODI while Tim Southee won’t feature as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.

Coach Mike Hesson who was pleased with the experience and balance the squad offered said, “Colin was impressive with the bat during the recent Twenty20 series, but he’s also selected on his ability to give us another option with the ball.

“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 ODI will give him some time against the white ball. It also gives Luke a week off ahead of a busy upcoming schedule,” he added.

With regards to the inclusion of only one specialist spinner, he opined, “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 (Elliott) and Corey (Anderson) are also options for us with the ball, so we feel like we’ve got out bases covered.”

The first of three ODIs will be played on Monday, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

New Zealand squad: Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, Luke Ronchi (first ODI), BJ Watling (second and third ODI), Tom Latham (first two ODIs), Brendon McCullum (third ODI)