Utseya joins ODI squad

Former Zimbabwe captain Prosper Utseya has joined the squad in New Zealand. Utseya had been forced to remain behind making way for Graeme Cremer and Ray Price the option of playing as the two spinners in the Test.

Utseya is going to be available for selection in for the ODI and T20 series. Stuart Matsikenyeri and Elton Chigumbura who missed out in the Test will be in the running for selection.

Utseya has played 137 One Day Internationals and 52 Twenty20s while picking up 137 and 53 wickets respectively. The 26 year old is expected to give Zimbabwe the much needed assistance in the bowling department where there was a lot of legging behind during the Test.

Zimbabwe lost to New Zealand by an innings and 301 runs in the one off Test. The Africans will be out to salvage some pride in the shorter version of the game.

Meanwhile Brendon McCullum has been named captain of the ODI and Twenty20 squads for the series against Zimbabwe.

Ross Taylor is out after succumbing to injury, McCullum was given the leadership role for the upcoming series, which will have three ODIs and two T20 internationals.

Tarun Nethula, Rob Nicol, Michael Bates, Andrew Ellis and Tom Latham were given call-ups to the ODI squad, while Bates and Nicol were also named in the Twenty20 side along with fellow newcomers Colin de Grandhomme and Ronnie Hira.

National selector Kim Littlejohn said the players were rewarded for consistent performances on the domestic circuit.

"Tarun Nethula and Ronnie Hira have been the form spinners this season and richly deserve their selection through consistently good performances," said Littlejohn.

"Michael Bates has been one of the best pace bowlers for Auckland over a number of seasons and is a skilful death bowler who also offers us a left-arm option.

"Colin de Grandhomme and Andrew Ellis also played extremely well in the HRV Cup and their all-round skills with bat and ball are well suited to ODI and T20 cricket.

"Tom Latham is an exciting keeper batsman who is very well equipped for short-form cricket and we think he has the potential to make a big impact on the international scene."

With Taylor's calf injury keeping him out of the entire series, Littlejohn said McCullum was the perfect stand-in and that he will be able to provide guidance to the younger players as they build toward the 2015 World Cup.

"Although it is disappointing for the likes of Luke Woodcock, Graeme Aldridge, Andy McKay and BJ Watling who miss out we pleased that there's real competition for places and by the end of the series will benefit from having another group of guys with international experience," Littlejohn said.

"The new caps have earned their chance through solid performances at domestic level and we think it's the right time to take a look at players who will be in the frame for the Twenty20 World Cup later in the year, and looking further ahead to the 2015 ODI World Cup."

New Zealand ODI squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Michael Bates, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Andrew Ellis, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Tarun Nethula, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson.

New Zealand Twenty20 squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Michael Bates, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Colin de Grandhomme, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Ronnie Hira, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson

Zimbabwe: Brendan Taylor, Foster Mutizwa, Hamilton Masakadza, Tatenda Taibu, Tinotenda Mawoyo,Stuart Matsikenyeri, Malcolm Waller,Elton Chigumbura, Ray Price, Kyle Jarvis, Brian Vitori, Shingi Masakadza, Keegan Meth,Regis Chakabva, Prosper Utseya and Greame Cremer.