Allrounder returns to Black Caps

Colin de Grandhomme will replace George Worker in the only change to the Black Caps squad for the remaining three one-day internationals against Pakistan. The 31-year-old was granted leave following the sudden death of his father Laurence, aged 61, in Zimbabwe last month.

Selector Gavin Larsen said everyone in the Black Caps squad was looking forward to the return of the burly allrounder as New Zealand looks to clinch the series.

‘‘It’s been a difficult time for Colin and I know the group are excited to catch up with him. Everyone has been thinking of him while he’s been away,’’ Larsen.

‘‘Colin has been effective for us with bat and ball and provides another allrounder option.’’

De Grandhomme, who last played for the Black Caps against West Indies on December 9, scored just five runs in Auckland’s Super Smash defeat to Northern Districts on Monday.

He will play once more for Auckland, against Canterbury today, before joining his Black Caps team-mates in Dunedin ahead of the third ODI at University Oval on Saturday.

If he is to slot straight back into the 11, the selectors will have to make a tough call as to who they will leave out. The Black Caps generally play with just one spinner on home soil, so either one of Todd Astle and Mitchell Santner will likely drop out.