Sodhi returns to New Zealand's ODI squad
He last played 50-over cricket for his country in May 2017, but has been brought in as back up with fitness concerns over the team's frontline spin options
ESPNcricinfo staff
21-Feb-2018
Ish Sodhi at the top of his run-up • Getty Images
Ish Sodhi was named in New Zealand's squad to play the first two ODIs of a five-match series against England. The 25-year old last played 50-over cricket for his country in May 2017, but has been brought in as back up with fitness concerns over the team's frontline spin options.
"Both Mitchell Santner and Todd Astle have had injury concerns recently," selector Gavin Larsen said. "So having Ish travel with us gives further options in the spin department."
Sodhi has been one of New Zealand's first-choice players in T20 cricket, and was recently ranked No. 1 in the format. In 2018, he has taken nine wickets from 10 matches at an economy-rate of 8.25.
New Zealand have kept faith in almost all the players who helped secure a 5-0 whitewash over Pakistan in January. Only batsman George Worker and fast bowler Seth Rance have missed out on selection.
"Having won the previous eight matches, we've been able to keep good consistency in selection with our ODI squad," Larsen said. "We still have a number of guys pushing their case in domestic cricket and that's pleasing, but this is the squad for the first two matches of the series."
The first ODI against England will be played in Hamilton on Sunday.