Ajaz Patel earns maiden ODI call-up for New Zealand

Patel, who debuted in the T20Is against Pakistan, was added to the ODI squad as cover for leg-spinner Todd Astle, who sustained an injury to his right knee.

Head coach Gary Stead said that Astle had a 50-50 chance of playing the first ODI on Wednesday, 7 November, but was hopeful the leg-spinner would be available for the rest of the series.

"Todd’s made good progress over the past couple of days and with his involvement in both the ODI and Test squads; we’re keen to give him every chance to be right," said Stead.

"It does present another opportunity for Ajaz. He’s impressed us during the UAE tour so far and we have full confidence he can do a job for this team in the 50-over format."

Patel picked up one wicket in the two T20Is he played against Pakistan, and has 22 List A wickets from as many games at 42.95.

Elsewhere, Ferguson takes the fourth pacer's position, and Worker will fill in for Martin Guptill at the top of the order after the latter was ruled out with injury.

"Lockie possesses raw pace and offers something different to the other three quicks in the squad who are predominantly new-ball bowlers," said Stead.

"He’s performed well over the past 12 months and we’re hoping he can bring some real aggression to those middle overs in the innings.

"George has been knocking on the door for a while and has hardly put a foot wrong in the chances he has had with the Blackcaps. We know he’s a quality player and this series will be a good test of where he is at."

**Squad:**Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, George Worker