Broom, Ronchi recalled for Bangladesh ODIs

Batsman Neil Broom, who last played an ODI in March 2010, has been recalled to the New Zealand squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh, which starts from December 26.

Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi was also recalled in place of BJ Watling, who was excluded from the side. Two other players who were part of the squad for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, batsman Henry Nicholls and legspinner Todd Astle, were also left out.

Broom had signed a two-year contract with Derbyshire in 2015, but chose to forego the second year to give himself another chance with New Zealand. The right-hand batsman is expected to slot in at No. 4 in place of Ross Taylor, who was ruled out after recently undergoing surgery on his left eye.

"I appreciate everything Derbyshire have done for me and have really enjoyed my time with the club," Broom said. "It was a tough call at the time. I had signed with Derbyshire for two years and I would've liked to see out the contract, but to get an international recall just outweighs it, so it was a pretty easy decision."

Broom played 22 ODIs between January 2009 and March 2010, scoring 333 runs at an average of 17.22. He has also played 10 T20Is, with the last one against Sri Lanka in November 2013.

"When I first came in, I was overawed by everything and just really really wanted to do well and I put too much pressure on myself, so this time I'm not going to do that," Broom said. "I tell myself this might be my last game every time I go out there. It's probably something they tell you not to do, but you've got to enjoy every moment of it and try and have a couple of good years with the team."

Broom is among the top run-getters in the 2016-17 Plunket Shield first-class tournament, having scored 354 runs in seven innings at an average of 59. In 2015-16, he topped the run charts in the List A competition, the Ford Trophy, scoring 508 runs in nine matches with three centuries and two fifties.

Ronchi, too, was rewarded for recent form. After a poor tour of India, and a modest run since early 2015, Ronchi was left out for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. Turning out for Wellington in the Plunket Shield, he scored a century and, on Thursday, struck an unbeaten 58 in a Super Smash match against Canterbury, which Wellington eventually lost in the one-over eliminator.

Watling had scored 31 runs in the series against Australia, which New Zealand lost 3-0, while Nicholls played only one match, scoring 3. Astle was not given a game.

New Zealand's chairman of selectors Gavin Larsen acknowledged that Ronchi was seen as the best ODI wicketkeeper in the country and both players added value to the side with their experience.

"With 12 years of domestic cricket under his belt and having previously spent time in the BlackCaps squad, Neil brings a lot of experience to the group," Larsen said. "Neil was the top run-scorer in the Ford Trophy competition last year, with an average of 84.66. He has an impressive strike-rate and obviously fills the number four role with Ross out injured.

"It's been pleasing to see Luke scoring runs for Wellington again and he returns as one of the most experienced members of the squad. At this stage we see him as the best ODI gloveman in the country and the leadership he brings to the group is also immensely valuable."

The team will convene for a camp on December 23 and 24, with the first match scheduled for Boxing Day in Christchurch. The second and third ODIs will be played on December 29 and 31 in Nelson. The ODIs will be followed by three T20Is and two Tests.