Corey Anderson included in New Zealand ODI squad

25-year old all-rounder Corey Anderson has been included in the ODI squad for New Zealand in their upcoming series against India. Having been included in the Test squad, Anderson will be making a comeback to ODIs after almost six months on the sidelines due to a back injury. Interestingly, Anderson will be added to the squad as a specialist batsman.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen went on to commend the professionalism shown by the all-rounder in recent months along with his back injury. Larsen added that many were indeed excited about his return to the side. However, he will be used as a specialist batsman courtesy of the presence of an all-rounder in Jimmy Neesham.

“Corey’s superb professionalism throughout his rehab process has led to this point, and it’s a credit to him and the hard work he’s put in,” New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said.

“We’re excited to have Corey back. He provides power through the middle-order and knows the conditions in India well. He’s still working on his bowling and we’ll continue to monitor that, but for this series, he will be used solely as a specialist batsman.”

Larsen went on justifying the places of some of the other members of the squad for the ODI series. Anon Devcich was the other player who was a surprise call-up to the side.

“India conditions are known to be quite harsh, so it’s really important that we have cover for all positions,” Larsen said. “Luke Ronchi and BJ Watling provides us with wicketkeeping and middle-order cover, while Anton is another spin option for us and can bat anywhere in the order.

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“The last time we played ODIs was in the Chappell-Hadlee series and victory there helped us reach the world number two ranking. We obviously want to keep growing on that and this series is another massive challenge for us.”

ODI squad: Kane Williamson (c), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Anton Devcich, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling