New Zealand call up Blundell for Chappell-Hadlee ODIs

Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has been included in the New Zealand ODI squad for the Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia later this month. He replaces the injured Luke Ronchi while Ross Taylor returns to the squad in place of Jeetan Patel who was picked for the third ODI against Bangladesh.

Corey Anderson, who wasn't part of New Zealand's most recent ODI squad, but scored 94* in their most recent limited-overs game, the third T20I against Bangladesh, has also been left out, with the selectors having to consider him as a specialist batsman in view of his recovery from long-term back issues.

Blundell made his international debut in the third T20I against Bangladesh after Ronchi injured his right adductor during the second game of the series. Blundell didn't get to bat in that match, and has since made scores of 41 and 4 for Wellington in the 50-overs Ford Trophy.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said the opening batsman Tom Latham also provided a wicketkeeping option.

"It's hard to replace the experience that Luke brings," Larsen said. "But it's good Tom Blundell got a small taste of the environment during the Twenty20 series against Bangladesh and this will be another opportunity for him in the squad. Having Tom Latham as an option gives the squad flexibility and allows us the chance to play an extra bowling option. He's done it before for us, but we'll look to give Tom [Latham] an opportunity to have a game with the gloves in the Ford Trophy before the opening match."

Neil Broom also returned after missing the second and third T20Is with a fractured finger. "We have a number of options to consider in the middle order and having Ross [Tayor] and Neil [Broom] in there gives the batting line-up a much more experienced look to it than the squad which toured Australia," Larsen said.

Apart from Ronchi, injuries ruled out Ben Wheeler, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan and Doug Bracewell.

The first ODI is in Auckland on January 30.

New Zealand squad for first two ODIs against Australia: Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.