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Tom Blundell included in New Zealand squad ODI series against Australia

by Andrew Wood Sunday 22 January 2017

Ross Taylor returns to New Zealand ODI squad

©REUTERS MEDIA EXPRESS

New Zealand selectors have made two changes to their squad for the One-Day International series against Australia which begins later this month.

Wellington wicket-keeper batsman Tom Blundell has been included in the squad for the first time and he will take the place of Luke Ronchi, who is injured. The 26-year-old already made his debut in the Twenty20 International series against Bangladesh recently but is yet to play for the Black Caps in the 50-over-format.

Also returns to the squad is the veteran batsman Ross Taylor, who has taken the place of Jeetan Patel from the squad that played in the ODI series against Bangladesh recently.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said opening batsman Tom Latham can also be used as an option for the wicket-keeper role.

"It's hard to replace the experience that Luke brings," Larsen said.

"But it's good Tom Blundell got a small taste of the environment during the Twenty20 series against Bangladesh and this will be another opportunity for him in the squad.

"Having Tom Latham as an option gives the squad flexibility and allows us the chance to play an extra bowling option.

"He's done it before for us, but we'll look to give Tom [Latham] an opportunity to have a game with the gloves in the Ford Trophy before the opening match."

The selectors have also retained Neil Broom in the squad after his recent success against Bangladesh while Martin Guptill also returns after recovering from a injury.

New Zealand squad for first two games of Chappell-Hadlee Trophy

Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.