New Zealand vs India 2014: Colin Munro out of NZ ODI squad, Tim Southee back

Colin Munro has been left because New Zealand consider him as T20 specialist batsmen

Having outclassed West Indies in the home series, New Zealand almost retained the same squad for the five-match one-day series against India, which starts on January 19. They made just the one change as they left Colin Munro and brought Tim Southee into the squad. The Kiwi pacer missed the first three one-day matches due to toe injury but recovered fully to be part of the New Zealand ODI squad against India.

New Zealand’s general manager Bruce Edgar said the squad was retained as they outclassed West Indies with a strong all-round performance. “It was pleasing to see every player stand up at some stage of that series,” Edgar said. “There were some simply outstanding efforts headlined by Corey Anderson’s world-record one-day ton.”

New Zealand drew the one-day series with West Indies 2-2. During that series Anderson set a world record for the fastest century in one-day international cricket, scoring a century in just 36 balls.

Munro did not play even a single match against West Indies as he was considered as T20 specialist batsmen for New Zealand.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson talked about the Indian team and the challenge they pose in one-day cricket. “We know we’ll have to play out of our skins, and outmatch them player for player to be competitive against such a powerful side,” Hesson said. “But we showed against the West Indies that we can play extremely well on our day and are capable of beating any side.

“Matching yourself against the best in the world is what you play international cricket for and I know the guys are buzzing about this opportunity. It’s also an important part of our build-up for next year’s World Cup where India are the defending champions.”

Squad: Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi (wk), Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson.