Corey Anderson ruled out, Todd Astle doubtful for Pakistan ODIs

Pakistan vs New Zealand ODIs: While Anderson’s unavailability is a big blow to New Zealand’s chances in the ODIs,  Astle’s injury is a bigger cause of concern as he is also a part of the Test squad.

New Zealand’s plans of resurrecting their campaign against Pakistan in UAE after a disastrous T20I series took a heavy beating after all-rounder Corey Anderson was ruled out of the ODIs and leggie Todd Astle declared unfit at least for the first ODI.

Anderson will fly back home because of a heel injury, which kept him away from the three-match T20 series and Astle has reported a knee irritation which made him doubtful for the ODI series.

While Anderson’s unavailability is a big blow to New Zealand’s chances in the ODIs,  Astle’s injury is a bigger cause of concern as he is also a part of the Test squad.

The New Zealand Cricket Board has not taken any chance. They have already asked left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who made his T20I debut in Abu Dhabi, to stay back with the ODI squad. Batsman George Worker and fast bowler Lockie Fergusson too were added to the squad.

"Todd's made good progress over the past couple of days and with his involvement in both the ODI and Test squads; we're keen to give him every chance to be right," said New Zealand coach Gary Stead. "It does present another opportunity for Ajaz. He's impressed us during the UAE tour so far and we have full confidence he can do a job for this team in the 50-over format."

Trent Boult and Matt Henry also come into the squad for the one-day series having not been part of the T20Is meaning New Zealand have a strong selection of pace bowlers.

The three-match ODI series starts from November 7.

New Zealand ODI squad

Kane Williamson, Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, George Worker