For the three-match ODI series against Australia that gets underway in Cairns on September 6, New Zealand on Wednesday selected a 15-member team, with fast bowler Matt Henry making a comeback after overcoming his rib ailment.
The team that won New Zealand's inaugural one-day series in the West Indies earlier this week has only changed Henry, with spinner Ish Sodhi leaving the lineup. Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell will fill the position of spin-bowling all-rounders in the squad after Sodhi was not chosen.
The team couldn't wait to cross the Tasman, said to Kane Williamson, who took over as captain after missing the final two games against the West Indies in Barbados.
The team definitely looks forward to it and it's usually a big event for the fans because of the wonderful rivalry we have with Australia, according to Williamson.
"Being a part of another chapter is quite special because you grow up watching the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series and remembering the epic matches. We are excited for the challenge because we know how difficult it will be to defeat Australia in their home environment "he added.
Henry's comeback from injury was anticipated because the fast bowler was having fun on a recent tour of Europe before suffering an injury. The bowler leads the Blackcaps in 2022 in terms of the number of wickets taken in ODIs with 12.
"It's wonderful to have Matt [Henry] back. His ICC ODI bowling ranking of six is evidence that he has been one of our top one-day bowlers for the past few years "Gary Stead, the head coach, stated.
Adam Milne, who is out with an achilles injury, and Kyle Jamieson, who is dealing with a back issue, weren't given selection consideration. Ben Sears, who was drafted into the Caribbean tour to fill in for Henry due to injury and has not yet made his ODI debut, kept his spot in the ODI team.
We believe that Ben Sears' pace and bounce may be a solid option in Australian conditions, and his placement in the lineup is a hint to the future, Stead added.
The three-match ODI series will be a part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League and will be contested on September 6, 8, and 11.
New Zealand ODI squad: Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Tim Southee