Guptill to return for ODIS vs B’desh

We’re delighted to have Martin back on the park for this series. He’s a world-class player and an integral part of our one-day side.

GAVIN LARSEN, NZ selector

AUCKLAND: New Zealand opener Martin Guptill is set to return from a back injury for the upcoming one-day international series against Bangladesh, selectors said on Saturday.

Guptill was ruled out of the ongoing T20 series against India after aggravating a disc in his lower back, but was named for the threegame series against Bangladesh, which starts in Napier on Wednesday.

“We’re delighted to have Martin back on the park for this series. He’s a world-class player and an integral part of our one-day side,” selector Gavin Larsen said in a statement.

Guptill will undergo a fitness test on Sunday after which a final decision will be taken on whether he can partner Henry Nicholls at the top of New Zealand’s order.

Mitchell Santner and Todd Astle are the specialist spinners in the squad, with Colin de Grandhomme and Jimmy Neesham taking the pace-bowling all-rounder spots.

Kane Williamson is to be rested for the final ODI with Colin Munro standing in as captain.

SHAKIB TO MISS OUT

Bangladesh will be without allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has been ruled out of the series after fracturing a finger during the Bangladesh Premier League final on Friday.

“An X-ray was done after the match and the results have confirmed a fracture on the left ring finger. The affected area will now have to be immobilised for around three weeks,” said Debashis Chowdhury, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief physician.

NZ squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee