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The omission of George Worker from the latest New Zealand ODI squad is good news for the looming goal of Cricket World Cup success.
Worker has given way at the top of the order to Martin Guptill, who missed the ODI series against the West Indies due to a hamstring injury, but returned for the first T20 on December 29.
Guptill has been included in the 13-man squad for the opening two matches of the five-match series, which starts at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Saturday.
George Worker made a good fist of his opportunities in the recent ODI series against the West Indies.
That's harsh on Worker, who top-scored for New Zealand in the first of three one-day victories against the hapless West Indies.
The left-hander, employed in his favourite batting position as opener, made half-centuries in Whangarei and Christchurch before missing out in the last encounter. Back to domestic cricket on Saturday, he then blasted 75 off 38 balls to the short boundaries of Pukekura Park in a Super Smash outing for the Central Stags in a loss to the Knights.
Also a useful part-time spin bowling option, Worker has shown selector Gavin Larsen he'll remain in the mix as a strong squad continues to be moulded towards the 2019 World Cup competition.
Guptill, of course, was an automatic selection when fit again from a hamstring strain.
"Martin is a proven world class player, so we're naturally thrilled to have him back in the mix. He and Colin have been strong for us at the top of the order," Larsen said.
"It's tough on George missing out, but he'll continue to push for selection and will get further opportunities down the road."
The other feature of the squad was the selection of two spinners in all-rounders Todd Astle and Mitchell Santner.
Larsen said having both gave the team options.
"Todd made the most of his opportunity against the West Indies and made a strong contribution with both bat and ball.
"Mitchell has been one of our most consistent white ball bowlers for a long time now, as can be seen by him being ranked in the top 10 ODI bowlers in the world.
"Conditions will dictate whether they play in the same XI, but it's certainly not out of the question."
Colin de Grandhomme was unavailable having only just returned to New Zealand after the sudden death of his father, but he will return to play for Auckland on January 7.
AT A GLANCE
Black Caps ODI squad for first two matches against Pakistan: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/nz-newspapers...-in-Black-Caps-ODI-squad-for-Pakistan-series/
Worker has given way at the top of the order to Martin Guptill, who missed the ODI series against the West Indies due to a hamstring injury, but returned for the first T20 on December 29.
Guptill has been included in the 13-man squad for the opening two matches of the five-match series, which starts at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Saturday.
George Worker made a good fist of his opportunities in the recent ODI series against the West Indies.
That's harsh on Worker, who top-scored for New Zealand in the first of three one-day victories against the hapless West Indies.
The left-hander, employed in his favourite batting position as opener, made half-centuries in Whangarei and Christchurch before missing out in the last encounter. Back to domestic cricket on Saturday, he then blasted 75 off 38 balls to the short boundaries of Pukekura Park in a Super Smash outing for the Central Stags in a loss to the Knights.
Also a useful part-time spin bowling option, Worker has shown selector Gavin Larsen he'll remain in the mix as a strong squad continues to be moulded towards the 2019 World Cup competition.
Guptill, of course, was an automatic selection when fit again from a hamstring strain.
"Martin is a proven world class player, so we're naturally thrilled to have him back in the mix. He and Colin have been strong for us at the top of the order," Larsen said.
"It's tough on George missing out, but he'll continue to push for selection and will get further opportunities down the road."
The other feature of the squad was the selection of two spinners in all-rounders Todd Astle and Mitchell Santner.
Larsen said having both gave the team options.
"Todd made the most of his opportunity against the West Indies and made a strong contribution with both bat and ball.
"Mitchell has been one of our most consistent white ball bowlers for a long time now, as can be seen by him being ranked in the top 10 ODI bowlers in the world.
"Conditions will dictate whether they play in the same XI, but it's certainly not out of the question."
Colin de Grandhomme was unavailable having only just returned to New Zealand after the sudden death of his father, but he will return to play for Auckland on January 7.
AT A GLANCE
Black Caps ODI squad for first two matches against Pakistan: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/nz-newspapers...-in-Black-Caps-ODI-squad-for-Pakistan-series/
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