Glenn Phillips is quickly becoming a regular in the Black Caps one-day side.
He has been named in the New Zealand squad for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series in Cairns in two weeks’ time.
That is good news for the Black Caps, but bad news for Otago.
The Volts’ star signing might not be as available as previously thought.
Anyone who is a fan of the hard-hitting Phillips would have been bemused he had not played any one-day cricket for New Zealand until this year.
The 25-year-old’s game — a blend of innovation and daring — seemed tailor-made for the format. He is a regular in the T20 side, but the one-day team was tough to crack.
The retirement of long-serving batter Ross Taylor has helped free up some room in the side and Phillips appears in a battle with Michael Bracewell and Jimmy Neesham for game time.
Phillips got the nod ahead of the likes of Will Young and Henry Nicholls.
Wellington pace bowler Ben Sears, who was called into the Caribbean tour as an injury replacement for Matt Henry, has been retained for the upcoming three-game series.
Henry has recovered from a rib injury and has been named at the expense of spinner Ish Sodhi. His inclusion is the only change to the 15-man squad that claimed New Zealand’s first one-day series win in the West Indies earlier this week.
All three ODIs are day-night games and will be played in Cairns on September 6, 8 and 11.
Kane Williamson, who will resume the captaincy after missing the final two games against West Indies in Barbados, said the squad could not wait to head across the Tasman.
"It’s a great rivalry we have with Australia; it’s always a huge occasion for the fans, and the team really look forward to it,” Williamson said.
"You grow up watching the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series and remembering the great battles, so to be part of another chapter is pretty special.
"We know how tough
Australia are to beat in their own conditions and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Coach Gary Stead noted there had been some tough calls made.
"The fact we’re having to leave out players of the calibre of Ish, Henry and Will shows the increased depth we currently have at our disposal," Stead said.
"Glenn’s a versatile player who can cover most places in the batting order for us — as well as providing a bowling option if needed.
"It’s great to welcome back Matt. He’s been one of our front line one-day bowlers for the past few years and his ICC ODI bowling ranking of six is testament to that.
"The inclusion of Ben Sears is a nod to the future, and we also think his pace and bounce could be a good option in Australian conditions."
Kyle Jamieson (back) and Adam Milne (achilles) were not considered due to injury.
Black Caps
Chappell-Hadlee squad
Kane Williamson (captain), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Tim Southee.
