Cricket: Anderson returns for T20s

Corey Anderson playing against Sri Lanka in Wellington earlier in the year. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Big-hitting allrounder Corey Anderson will return to the New Zealand team for the two T20 internationals against Sri Lanka.

Anderson last played an international in the Lord's test against England in May. He has had a handful of appearances for Northern Districts this season and will only play as a batsman.

World Cup hero Grant Elliott also returns to the squad, while Auckland batsman Colin Munro is the other interesting inclusion for the games at Mt Maunganui next Tuesday and at Eden Park on January 10.

''It's been a long process for Corey, but we've been happy with his recent progress and the fact he's managed to string a few games together for the Knights," said coach Mike Hesson today.

"We've got a plan in place for when we hope to have Corey back bowling. He's getting closer, but we'll be taking a precautionary approach.

"We've seen how dynamic a batsmen he is and can threaten any bowling attack in the world. It'll be great to have him back in the mix."
Elliott returns after fracturing a wrist in November during Wellington
training.

''He brings a lot to the squad and obviously has experience in pressure moments, which is key to batting in the middle order in T20."

Swing bowler Trent Boult will return for the final ODI against Sri Lanka, while George Worker drops out for the last two games.

New Zealand ODI squad for the last two games against Sri Lanka:

Brendon McCullum (c), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Luke Ronchi, Doug Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Mitch McClenaghan, Trent Boult (fifth game only).

New Zealand T20 squad:

Williamson (c), Guptill, Ronchi, Taylor, Colin Munro, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Santner, Southee, Sodhi, Milne, McClenaghan, Boult.