New Zealand pick Anderson as specialist batsman for India ODIs
Corey Anderson, the New Zealand all-rounder, has been picked as a specialist batsman for the One-Day International series against India, the selectors announced on Monday (September 19). Anderson has not played for New Zealand for more than six months due to a back injury. He recovered recently and returned to action which prompted the selectors to include him considering his vast experience of playing in Indian conditions.
"Corey's superb professionalism throughout his rehab process has led to this point, and it's a credit to him and the hard work he's put in," New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said.
"We're excited to have Corey back. He provides power through the middle-order and knows the conditions in India well. He's still working on his bowling and we'll continue to monitor that, but for this series, he will be used solely as a specialist batsman."
Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro and George Worker are recovering from injuries and hence were not picked. The selectors also dropped Henry Nicholls and recalled batsman Anton Devcich, all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and wicketkeeper BJ Watling.
Neesham recently made a comeback to the Test squad as well for the India series and Watling on the other hand, hasn't played an ODI for more than three years.
"India conditions are known to be quite harsh, so it's really important that we have cover for all positions," Larsen said. "Luke Ronchi and BJ Watling provides us with wicketkeeping and middle-order cover, while Anton is another spin option for us and can bat anywhere in the order.
"The last time we played ODIs was in the Chappell Hadlee series and victory there helped us reach the world number two ranking. We obviously want to keep growing on that and this series is another massive challenge for us."
The first ODI will be played in Dharamshala on October 16.
ODI squad: Kane Williamson (c), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Anton Devcich, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling
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