(CMC) – Captain Kane Williamson will be rested for the last two One-Day Internationals against West Indies, while George Worker will replace the injured Martin Guptill at the top of the order, for the three-match series starting next Wednesday.
Cricket New Zealand said Williamson would play the opening game in Whangarei before giving way to Tom Latham who will then lead the squad in the final matches in Christchurch.
Seamer Tim Southee will also be rested for the last two matches with Neil Broom and Mitchell Santner, coming in as replacements for him and Williamson.
“It’s a long summer, so for those guys playing in all three formats it’s important we keep them fresh and build depth leading into a World Cup year,” said selector Gavin Larsen.
“Tim and Kane will both take breaks during this series, but there will be others who will also rest throughout the season.”
Guptill, who has hit 12 centuries in 149 ODIs, is yet to recover from a hamstring injury, and selectors have gone with Worker to partner Colin Munro.
The 28-year-old left-handed Worker has played four ODIs, the last coming against Bangladesh in May earlier this year.
“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,” Larsen noted.
All-rounder Todd Astle, meanwhile, is set to make his ODI debut as part of the 13-man squad, having already played a couple of Tests and Twenty20 Internationals.
Larsen said the 31-year-old had been deserving of his call-up.
“Todd with his all-round ability provides a straight swap for Mitchell in the first ODI,” Larsen pointed out.
“Todd has been one of the top domestic bowlers in the country for a number of years now and performed very well during the recent One Day New Zealand A tour to India.
“He was unlucky to to get injured before the Black Caps tour in India, but he’s continued to bowl well on return and thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
SQUAD – Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, George Worker.
