Guptill back for Pakistan series

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.

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. In domestic cricket on Saturday, he blasted 75 off 38 balls at 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.

❚ For last night’s T20 match between the Black Caps and the West Indies go to stuff.co.nz