Two spin bowlers named in Black Caps ODI squad for Pakistan series

Martin Guptill has been named in the Black Caps' 13-man squad for the first two ODIs against Pakistan. Photo / Alan Gibson

Martin Guptill will make his return to the Black Caps one-day international squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan at the expense of batsman George Worker.

Guptill missed the ODI series against the West Indies due to a hamstring injury, but returned for the first Twenty20 match between the two sides on December 29.

Having recovered from the injury, the 31-year-old was included in the 13-man squad for the opening two matches of the five-match series against Pakistan, which begins on January 6 at Wellington's Basin Reserve.

While Worker showed he had a place on the international scene with two half-centuries in three innings against the West Indies, Guptill's track record at the ODI level was hard to overlook.

Black Caps selector Gavin Larsen said it was good to have Guptill back while acknowledging Worker was unfortunate to miss out.

"It's tough on George missing out, but he'll continue to push for selection and will get further opportunities down the road," Larsen said.

Guptill is a proven performer at the ODI level, with a batting average of just below 43 and a strike rate near 89 in 146 innings.

In 18 matches against Pakistan, Guptill averages about 40 runs and has six half-centuries against the South Asian nation.

"We're naturally thrilled to have him back in the mix. He and Colin (Munro) have been strong for us at the top of the order."

Worker was one of two players dropped for the series, with fellow batsman Neil Broom losing his spot so the side could accommodate two spin bowling options in allrounders Mitchell Santner and Todd Astle.

Todd Astle made his ODI debut against the West Indies. Photo / Photosport

Larsen said having both Astle and Santner gave the team options.

"Todd made the most of his opportunity against the West Indies and made a strong contribution with both bat and ball," Larsen said.

"Mitchell has been one of our most consistent white ball bowlers for a long time now, as can be seen by him being ranked in the top 10 ODI bowlers in the world.

"Conditions will dictate whether they play in the same eleven, but it's certainly not out of the question."

Colin de Grandhomme was unavailable for selection after travelling to South Africa to attend his father's funeral.

Black Caps squad:
Kane Williamson (c) - Northern Districts
Todd Astle - Canterbury
Trent Boult - Northern Districts
Doug Bracewell - Central Districts
Lockie Ferguson - Auckland
Martin Guptill - Auckland
Matt Henry - Canterbury
Tom Latham - Canterbury
Colin Munro - Auckland
Henry Nicholls - Canterbury
Mitchell Santner - Northern Districts
Tim Southee - Northern Districts
Ross Taylor - Central Districts