New Zealand rings in changes for Windies ODIs

New Zealand will rest senior players including Kane Williamson, the captain, and Tim Southee for part of the upcoming One-Day International series against Windies.

Williamson and Southee will play the opening ODI at the Cobham Oval in Whangarei on December 20 before being replaced by Neil Broom and Mitchell Santner for the next two games, both at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on December 23 and 26 respectively.

"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," Gavin Larsen, one of the selectors, said in naming the squad on Tuesday (December 12).

"Tim and Kane will both take breaks during this series, but there will be others who will also rest throughout the season."

Tom Latham, who had previously led the team in Ireland, will take over the captaincy in Williamson's absence.

George Worker was confirmed to open the batting in place of the injured Martin Guptill, who is yet to recover full fitness from his hamstring injury. Santner, the left-arm spinner, will also miss the first ODI due to a shoulder injury.

The squad: 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)