All-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Todd Astle have been recalled to the New Zealand one-day international squad ahead of the final two matches against India.
Astle comes in for leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, while Neesham is a like-for-like replacement for all-rounder Doug Bracewell.
The duo had missed out on the first three ODIs because of injuries – hamstring strain for Neesham, knee injury for Astle – but have now been drafted into the squad after proving their fitness in domestic cricket.
New Zealand have already conceded the five-match series to India 3-0, but will want to play for pride in the last two games, and get their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup plans in place.
“Doug and Ish have been two of the brighter spots of the ODI series so far and we’ve been encouraged by their performances against a quality Indian side. It’s great to welcome back the all-round skills of Jimmy and Todd and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can bring to the series,” said national selector Gavin Larsen.
“We’re still looking to keep our options open with selections at this stage and ensure we continue to learn as much as we can about our players.”
The fourth and fifth ODIs will be played in Hamilton and Wellington on 31 January and 3 February respectively.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor
