NZ to rest key players for WI ODIs

HAMILTON: New Zealand are to rest senior players including Kane Williamson and Tim Southee for part of the upcoming limited-overs series against the West Indies.

“It’s a long summer, so for those guys playing in all three formats it’s important we keep them fresh and build depth leading into a World Cup year,” selector Gavin Larsen said in naming the squad on Tuesday.

“Tim and Kane will both take breaks during this series, but there will be others who will also rest throughout the season.” Williamson and Southee will play in the opening one-day international on December 20 before being replaced by Neil Broom and Mitchell Santner for next two games in the three-match series on December 23 and 26. Tom Latham will take over the captaincy in Williamson’s absence. George Worker was confirmed to open the batting in place of the injured Martin Guptill.

New Zealand ODI squad (to play West Indies in three-match series on December 20, 23 and 26): Kane Williamson (capt, first ODI only), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (capt, second and third ODIs), Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Tim Southee (first ODI only), Ross Taylor, George Worker, Neil Broom (second and third ODIs), Mitchell Santner (second and third ODIs).