All-rounder Corey Anderson has been included as a specialist batsman in New Zealand's one-day squad for next month's five-match series against India, New Zealand Cricket said Monday. Anderson has not played for his country since February because of a back injury but was considered fit enough to bat in the series that begins in Dharamsala on Oct. 16. "Corey's superb professionalism throughout his rehab process has led to this point, and it's a credit to him and the hard work he's put in," selector Gavin Larsen said in a news release. "We're excited to have Corey back. He provides power through the middle-order and knows the conditions in India well. He's still working on his bowling and we'll continue to monitor that." Middle order batsman Henry Nicholls was dropped from the squad to allow the recall of BJ Watling, who played his last ODI in February 2013. "India conditions are known to be quite harsh, so it's really important that we have cover for all positions," Larsen added. "Luke Ronchi and BJ Watling provide us with wicketkeeping and middle-order cover, while Anton (Devcich) is another spin option for us and can bat anywhere in the order." Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Anton Devcich, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling. Smith backs Starc for Tests Australia captain Steve Smith thinks Mitchell Starc will be fit to face South Africa in November despite a freak accident in training last week that left the pace bowler with a "gruesome" injury. Left-armer Starc required 30 stitches last Thursday to close a gash in his left leg caused by a stump that had been dug into the ground at Hurstville Oval in south Sydney and will be in a leg brace for another two weeks. "It wasn't nice at all," Smith told reporters Monday ahead of Australia's departure for South Africa, where it will play a lone one-dayer against Ireland followed by five ODIs against the host. "It was actually probably one of the most gruesome things I have ever seen. "I guess for Mitch, he's got no tendon or ligament damage so given everything goes well over the next couple of weeks, we're confident that'll he be okay for the first Test match." Starc, who was being rested from the trip to South Africa along with fellow quick Josh Hazlewood, has established himself as the leader of Australia's pace attack in all three forms of the game over the last couple of years. The 26-year-old's absence for the first of three Tests against the Proteas in Perth from Nov. 3 would be a major setback for the host, which also faces the South Africans in Hobart and a day-night match in Adelaide. — Agencies
