Blackcaps vs Sri Lanka: Martin Guptill ready to impress in NZ return

Blackcaps opening batsmen Martin Guptill is ready to hit the ground running as New Zealand prepares to face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series.

The 32-year-old was recalled to the national side after missing the series against Pakistan in the UAE due to a calf injury. He hasn't played for New Zealand since March 10 in the series against England.

Guptill is likely to open the batting with Colin Munro when the first match gets underway on Thursday at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

For Guptill, it will be business as usual as he can't wait to wear the Silver Fern on his chest again.

"I haven't played for New Zealand since last summer, which is a long time ago so to be back is exciting," he said.

"I haven't had any issues with my calf since I've been back playing, so that is a positive and I have to keep up my running to keep my hamstrings in check also.

"It'll be business as usual for me. Colin and I just have to go out there and have fun."

Winning the series is crucial for the Blackcaps with the 2019 ODI World Cup in the UK approaching.

The Blackcaps reached the final of the previous World Cup, but they fell short in the final losing to Australia by seven wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"The more ODI cricket you play, the better. If you look before the last World Cup, we played a seven-match series gains Sri Lanka and then a two-match series against Pakistan.

"We had nine games leading into it, and it put us in good stead heading into the World Cup, and it showed with our performance.

"We had our best one-day game ever in the semi-final against South Africa and it was exciting. We didn't play that well in the final, but that is ancient history now."

Following the series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand also had home ODI series against India (five) and Bangladesh (three) before opening their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on June 1.

Newshub.