The New Zealand selectors named a split squad for the five ODIs because some of the players will head to Wellington – the venue for the first Test – after the third ODI to prepare for the upcoming Test series. That means seven other players will join the ODI squad for the last two ODIs.
“Zak Foulkes (hip flexor), Will O’Rourke (calf), and Ben Sears (ankle) were not considered for selection as they rehabilitate their respective injuries,” an NZC release said.
White-ball captain Mitchell Santner will lead the squad which doesn’t look too different from the one that beat India 2-1 in India in January.
Allen and Ferguson last played their respective ODIs in late 2023, Allen just before the ODI World Cup and Ferguson during the World Cup.
Walter, along with Northern Districts men’s strength and conditioning coach Corey Miles, will remain with the ODI squad for games four and five, with additional coaching support to be announced in due course by NZC.
“First and foremost this is huge series for us, playing in front of our fans in full stadiums against a formidable Indian side,” Walter said. “With the ODI World Cup just one year away it’s important for us to also view these matches as valuable preparation for that event.
“Bringing in seven players for the final ODIs allows us to test our depth and see how those players fare against a world-class side.
“Obviously every Test match is important for us in terms of championship points, which is why we’re extracting some of that squad early for additional preparation before the first Test against India at the Basin Reserve on November 19.”
New Zealand ODI squads for India series
First three ODIs: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Blair Tickner
Last two ODIs: Mitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wk), Blair Tickner, Will Young
