Guptill returns; uncapped Kitchen, Rance named for Windies T20Is

Guptill has recovered from a hamstring injury. © Getty

Martin Guptill is set to return to the New Zealand side for the upcoming Twenty20 International series against Windies. The 31-year old, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, is expected to find a place at the top of the order.

Uncapped Otagao batsman Anaru Kitchen and medium pacer Seth Rance have also been included in the squad. While Kitchen is yet to play for New Zealand, Seth Rance has featured in two ODIs.

New Zealand will continue to rest some of the senior players, with Kane Williamson set to miss the first game and Trent Boult set to be available only for the third T20I. In Williamson's absence, Tim Southee will lead the team in the first match of the series. Once Williamson returns to the side, senior batsman Ross Taylor will be rested for the last two games.

Legspinner Ish Sodhi has been selected for the series ahead of Todd Astle, who made an impressive ODI debut in the last game.

Colin de Grandhomme, who is out of the country, following his father's demise, will find a place back in the squad once he returns, the date of which is uncertain.

"When you add Anaru Kitchen to the likes of Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Glenn Phillips and Tom Bruce, there's a lot of threats throughout the batting line-up - there are more explosive batting options than ever before," Gavin Larsen, New Zealand selector, said.

"Anaru has performed superbly for Otago the past couple of seasons and with his ability to bowl as well, he brings a lot to the side."

The series is set to begin on December 29 in Nelson and will be followed by games in Mt. Maunganui on January 1 and 3.

Squad: Tim Southee (Captain for 1st T20I - will play the remaining two games as well), Doug Bracewell, Tom Bruce, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Anaru Kitchen, Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor (1st T20I only), Kane Williamson (Captain in 2nd and 3rd T20Is), Trent Boult (3rd T20I only)