Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi has returned to the Black Caps while batsman Colin Munro has been dropped for the upcoming one-day series against South Africa.
Luke Ronchi in action for the Black Caps. Photo: Photosport
The pace bowler Adam Milne has recovered from a long-term injury to be named in a strong New Zealand XI that plays a warm-up game against the Proteas on Tuesday.
Two Black Caps squads of 14 players have been named, one for the one off T20 at Eden Park and the other for the first two matches of the five game one day international series in Hamilton and Christchurch.
Having been brought into the squad for the final ODI against Australia, leg spinner Ish Sodhi maintained his place in both teams, while batsman Munro only featured in the T20 side.
Ronchi made his return from injury to re-join the Black Caps much to the delight of selector Gavin Larson.
"It will be great to have Luke back in the mix. He's the number one white-ball wicketkeeper in the country and brings considerable experience to the group," said Larson.
Luke Ronchi pulls up injured while chasing after a loose ball. Photo: Photosport
With a the second match of the one-day series to be played on a wicket known to assist spin bowling at Hamilton's Seddon Park, Larson said Sodhi could be useful.
"Having two frontline spinners in the side gives us flexibility and Ish is an aggressive bowler who in the right conditions can be a real threat for us."
On the decision to omit Colin Munro from the one-day squad, Larson said the big hitting batsman had paid the price for inconsistency.
"Colin hasn't quite shown the consistency he would like in the middle-order and we feel Jimmy (Neesham) is deserved of an opportunity with the bat at six," he said.
Some feel Colin Munro is overdue for a test callup. Photo: Photosport
Larson was pleased to include younger players Tom Bruce, Ben Wheeler and Lockie Ferguson in the T20 team.
"It's an exciting team. There's a lot of experience, but you also have the likes of Bruce, Wheeler and Ferguson who have made bright starts to their international careers," he said.
Squad for one off Twenty20 International
Kane Williamson (c), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi (Wkt), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ben Wheeler
Squad for ODI Series
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor
Larson said Milne's inclusion in the New Zealand XI was a positive step for the express pace bowler.
The Black Caps fast bowler Adam Milne in action. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"Adam has put in an incredible amount of work to get back out on the park, so it'll be a big moment for him on Tuesday." said Larson.
"There's a few fresh faces in the squad, with the likes of Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman coming off superb Super Smash seasons," he said,
"It's a great opportunity for them to test themselves against some of the biggest superstars in world cricket."
New Zealand XI
Glenn Phillips, Neil Broom, Henry Nicholls, Tom Bruce, Ross Taylor, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Todd Astle, Adam Milne, Matt Henry, Henry Shipley, Zak Gibson
