Anderson named to NZ for India ODIs

Wellington - New Zealand have named their ODI squad for the series against India in October, handing a recall to all-rounder Corey Anderson, though he will play as a pure batsman after a long injury absence.

Anderson has been out of action with a back injury since the World Twenty20 in March, and has not bowled much since, so he will play as a middle order batsman. James Neesham has been included as an all-rounder.

Paceman Tim Southee has been given a place despite missing the upcoming Test series with an injury, as he is expected to be fit in time for the opening ODI on 16 October. Mitchell McClenaghan was not as fortunate, and is out with a pelvis injury.

Selector Gavin Larsen explained of Anderson's inclusion: "Corey's 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.

"We're excited to have him 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."

The Kiwis have also added wicketkeeper BJ Watling to the one-day squad, where he will serve as cover for Luke Ronchi, rather than the other way around like it is in Tests.

Larsen added: "India conditions are known to be quite harsh, so it's really important that we have cover for all positions.

"Luke Ronchi and BJ Watling provide us with wicketkeeping and middle-order cover, while Anton (Devcich) is another spin option for us and can bat anywhere in the order.

"The last time we played ODI cricket was in the Chappell-Hadlee series and victory there helped us reach the world no. 2 ranking. We obviously want to keep growing on that and this series is another massive challenge for us."

Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), 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