Video: McCullum back in Black Caps' ODI squad to face Australia

Brendon McCullum (Photosport file)
Brendon McCullum (Photosport file)

The Black Caps have named an experienced side to face Australia in the one-day international (ODI) Chappell-Hadlee series in New Zealand.

Skipper Brendon McCullum will make his return after missing the entirety of Pakistan's visit to New Zealand shores, but Tom Latham has been called into the squad as cover if McCullum's back injury fails to improve sufficiently.

Ross Taylor and Tim Southee will miss the ODIs through injury but may return for the Test series -- but Mitchell McClenaghan will remain out for the whole tour after he copped a bouncer to the face in the first ODI against Pakistan.

Coach Mike Hesson said it was important that the Black Caps' strongest players were the ones to face the world champion Australians.

“This is a pinnacle event for us and we’ll look to get our best side out on the park each time we play,” said Hesson.

“We’ve been lucky enough to use a big squad over the summer and although we’re missing a few key players, we have guys who can step in and we know are up to the task."

The Chappell-Hadlee series has been in contention since 2004, and has been competed for on eight occasions since -- though the Black Caps are the current holders after taking out their pool game against their trans-Tasman rivals.

“The Chappell Hadlee Trophy is something we want to hold on to," Hesson said.

“The rivalry between these two sides is huge and it’s going to be three intense games in front of some big crowds.”

Black Caps ODI Squad v Australia: Brendon McCullum (C), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (cover)

3 News