Phillips, Astle in line to make ODI debuts against India

Wellington [New Zealand], Oct 14 (ANI): Wicketkeeper-batsman Glenn Phillips and leg-spinner Todd Astle are in line to make their New Zealand ODI debut after being included in the 15-member squad for the three-match series, beginning October 22 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Reflecting on the duo's selection, New Zealand selector and team A manager Gavin Larsen said Phillips and Astle have earned the place following their recent performances in the domestic cricket.

"Todd has been one of the best white-ball players in domestic cricket the last few seasons and he's backed that up with a strong showing for New Zealand A. Todd brings all round skill to the squad, quality leg spin, is athletic in the field as well as being able to contribute with the bat," said Larsen.

"Glenn has made an immediate effect in domestic cricket and has certainly taken his opportunity over here with NZ A, including an outstanding 140 not out. Glenn is an option for us with the gloves in both Twenty20s and ODIs, so we feel we have our bases covered with the 15 we've picked," he added.

Phillips and Astle are among the six players from New Zealand A who have been named in the squad for the upcoming limited-overs series, with the other four being batsmen Colin Munro, George Worker and Henry Nicholls, and fast bowler Matt Henry.

Phillips, who appeared in one T20I against South Africa in February, smashed a brilliant 140 not out for New Zealand A while Astle looks to add an ODI appearance to his two Tests and two T20 matches for his country.

Meanwhile, Ish Sodhi and Tom Bruce will travel with the squad for the ODIs, having been named in the T20 squad. Ross Taylor and Worker will return to New Zealand following the conclusion of the ODIs.

The three-match T20 series will begin on November 1 in New Delhi.

The team are also scheduled to play two warm-up 50-overs games, before heading into the three-match ODI series.

ODI squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, George Worker

T20 squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. (ANI)