Brownlie back for New Zealand

Batsmen Dean Brownlie and Tom Latham have been recalled to New Zealand’s squad for Tuesday’s first ODI against South Africa at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Respective calf, elbow and wrist injuries have ruled former captain Ross Taylor, fast bowler Adam Milne and batsman Kane Williamson out of the series opener.

“Tom had a very good tour to the West Indies with the Test team and also impressed in the warm-up match in Lincoln, while Dean was in strong form on the recent NZ A tour to the United Kingdom,” said coach Mike Hesson.

“We’ve never played international cricket this early in the season so the conditions will be challenging and it’s hard to know how the new ground at Bay Oval will shape up.

“But both teams will be hungry to get their Cricket World Cup preparations off to a good start. South Africa are a very consistent outfit in all forms, deservedly ranked second in ODI cricket and have world-class players throughout their line-up.”

The inexperienced Matt Henry and veteran Daniel Vettori, meanwhile, have been recalled. Mount Maunganui will also host the second ODI on Friday, while the third and final fixture will be played at Seddon Park 48 hours later.

Squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori.