In-form Khawaja omitted from ODI series opener against Kiwis

In-form batsman Usman Khawaja has been excluded from the Australian playing XI for the first game of the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand.

Khawaja, who smashed two centuries in the Big Bash League (BBL), was about to replace opening batsman Aaron finch, who suffered a hamstring injury during the recently concluded T20 series against India.

Australia have called in Shaun Marsh to open the batting with David Warner in the opening match of the Chappell-Hadlee series.

Talking about Khawaja's omission, skipper Steve Smith said that the left-armer was unlucky to miss out the opportunity despite playing extremely well, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Besides Khawaja, legspinner Adam Zampa and paceman Scott Boland are also left out of the Playing XI.

The two sides will play their first ODI in Auckland on Wednesday.

Australian squad: Shaun Marsh, David Warner, Steve Smith (capt), George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Wade, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood.