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Australia select Adam Zampa for New Zealand ODIs

by Manuj Sharma Sunday 24 January 2016

Usman Khawaja has been left out of the squad despite scoring 345 runs from four BBL games with two hundreds and two fifties.

©REUTERS / Action Images

Uncapped leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been included in the Australian squad to face New Zealand in the upcoming One-Day International series.

Zampa, who made his first-class debut in November 2012 has enjoyed a good season in the Big Bash League (BBL) with 12 wickets from 10 matches at an average of 22.50.

His haul of wickets in the recently concluded BBL for the Melbourne Stars was the best performance by an Australian spinner in the tournament.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been excluded from the ODI squad and will take part in the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Western Australia to prepare for the forthcoming Test series.

Chairman of the Australian selectors, Rod Marsh stated that Zampa’s inclusion is aimed at giving the 23-year-old a chance before the 2016 World Twenty20.

"We want Nathan to use the NSW versus West Australia Sheffield Shield match in New Zealand as preparation for the Test Series and this will give us a chance to have a good look at Adam ahead of the ICC World T20.

"Adam has certainly put forward a strong case for selection through good performances in the KFC Big Bash as well as the Matador Cup earlier in the season and we think he has thoroughly earned this opportunity."

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood also makes a return after being rested in the series against India which Australia won 4-1.

However, Usman Khawaja who scored 345 runs from four BBL games with two hundreds and two fifties including a 70 in the final was unable to find a place in the ODI squad against New Zealand.

Australia squad for New Zealand ODIs:

Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, George Bailey, Scott Boland, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Matthew Wade (wk), Adam Zampa