New Zealand announces squad for last two ODI's and T20I's

Kiwi all-rounder Corey Anderson has recovered sufficiently from a back injury to make the cut for New Zealand’s squad as a specialist batsman for the two Twenty20 internationals against Sri Lanka. Grant Elliott also returned to the T20I fold after he was on hi way to recovery from a broken arm during the ODI series.

Interestingly, the squad did not feature Brendon McCullum, who had confirmed he will not play in the forthcoming World T20 in March and April. Kane Williamson, who will lead the team in that tournament, was named captain for the Sri Lanka series also.

Allrounder James Neesham, who is recovering from injury, and offspinner Nathan McCullum, who sustained a knee injury, were both unavailable for selection. Among the available players, Matt Henry, who took eight wickets at an average of 10.25 in the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka, and Tom Latham, who played both matches failed to make the cut.

Coach Mike Hesson was pretty to have his men back for the upcoming games. “It’s been a long process for Corey, but we’ve been happy with his recent progress and the fact he’s managed to string a few games together for the Northern Knights,” New Zealand coach said. “He’s getting closer to bowling, but we’ll be taking a precautionary approach. We’ve seen how dynamic a batsmen he is and can threaten any bowling attack in the world.”

Elliott had broken his wrist in November while attempting a return catch during training with his Wellington domestic team. He returned to List A cricket on December 27, and had recovered enough to bat and bowl in that match.

“Grant brings a lot to the squad and has experience in pressure moments, which is key to batting in the middle order in Twenty20,” Hesson said.

T20 squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor

ODI squad for last two matches: Brendon McCullum (captain), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson