Sodhi added to squad
WELLINGTON: The promise of spin in Hamilton has cleared the way for Ish Sodhi’s New Zealand recall for the third and final oneday international against Australia tomorrow.
Legspinner Ish Sodhi replaces wicketkeeper Tom Blundell in the squad for the ChappellHadlee Trophy decider at Seddon Park.
It deprives Blundell of a chance to make his ODI debut, with opener Tom Latham preferred as wicketkeeper in the opening win in Auckland.
Selector Gavin Larsen said Eden Park and Napier’s McLean Park — where the second match was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Thursday — would not have suited Sodhi.
‘‘History shows that the Seddon Park pitch can be spinfriendly and for that reason Ish has been brought into the squad,’’ Larsen said.
‘‘We wanted the option of two specialist spinners for this match and it’s a venue that Ish has had some success on in the past.’’
Sodhi (24) has struggled in his 13 previous ODIs but his stocks took an enormous boost in the Australian Big Bash Twenty20 league.
He took six for 11 for the Adelaide Strikers against the Sydney Thunder in Adelaide, a return which Larsen said at the time had been keenly noted.
Opener Martin Guptill’s fitness for the match remains uncertain because of a hamstring strain.
Dean Brownlie, who was called in ahead of the Napier match, remains with the squad.
‘‘Martin has made progress in the last couple of days, but it’s not yet clear whether he’ll be available for selection. At this stage, it’s probably 5050.’’ — NZN