New Zealand vs Bangladesh: Kiwis announce 14-man squad for the ODI series

Colin Munro has paid the price for his poor returns with the bat in recent times as New Zealand have dropped their misfiring opener for the first two ODIs of the upcoming ODI series at home against Bangladesh. The southpaw, however, will get one more chance to impress in international cricket when he will replace skipper Kane Williamson for the final match.

The skipper is set to be rested citing the workload and in his absence, Tom Latham will lead the Black Caps as the hosts will look to get back to winning ways after losing their last ODI assignment 4-1 against India.

Munro had faced the axe for the fourth ODI against India before getting a lucky break in the fifth as his fellow opener Martin Guptill suffered a back injury. However, he failed to make amends in that game too, departing for just 24. Guptill, on the other hand, has returned to the side for the upcoming series.

The right-handed batsman was left out of the ongoing three-match T20I against India due to a back injury.  However, Guptill’s participation is subject to him passing the fitness test. He will be partnered by Henry Nicholls at the top.

Selectors trying Nicholls at the top

“We’re delighted to have Martin back on the park for this series; he’s a world-class player and an integral part of our one-day side,” selector Gavin Larsen said according to Cricbuzz. “He and Henry did a good job opening up in Hamilton against India and they’re a combination we want to see some more of in this series, before Colin returns to the top for the third game with Kane resting.”

The selectors have named a strong pace attack for the series with Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry all included. The hosts have also preferred Jimmy Neesham and Todd Astle as allrounder and spin-bowling positions ahead of Doug Bracewell and Ish Sodhi respectively

The three-match series will kickstart on February 13 in Napier. Following the conclusion of the ODIs, both the teams will lock horns in three Tests.

New Zealand squad:

Kane Williamson (c) (Games 1 & 2), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro (Game 3), Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

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