Martin Guptill to miss ODI series against Windies

Following the culmination of the two-match Test series, New Zealand will take on visitors West Indies in the limited-overs leg of the tournament. However, Kiwi top order batsman Martin Guptill has been ruled out for the upcoming ODIs with a hamstring injury. As a result, George Worker is set to fill the void left by the opener.

Guptill, who had a poor series when the Black Caps toured India earlier in October, is yet to regain full fitness. The 28-year-old Worker has donned the national outfit in four ODIs so far, with his last one coming earlier this year against Bangladesh. The first ODI will be played on December 20 in Whangarei

While announcing the ODI squad, New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said, “We will miss Martin’s influence at the top of the order, but unfortunately he is not back to full fitness and this provides a well earned opportunity for George in the ODI series.”

New Zealand to rest players with a busy summer schedule ahead

Apart from the 30-year-old opener, the Kiwis will also be missing the services of all-rounder Mitchell Santner for the first ODI due to a shoulder injury. Todd Astle, who got injured just before the start of the India series, will be replacing Santner according to the Kiwi selector.

New Zealand have also decided to manage the workloads of skipper Kane Williamson and pacer Tim Southee. Both Williamson and Southee will not play after the first match. And in skipper Williamson’s absence, Tom Latham will lead the side. With a busy summer ahead of them, New Zealand will continue to rest other players as well, according to Larsen.

New Zealand ODI squad:

Kane Williamson (C) (First ODI only), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (Captain for 2nd and 3rd ODI), Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Tim Southee (First ODI only), Ross Taylor, George Worker