NZ vs SL: Bracewell, Neesham return for ODIs

New Zealand all-rounders Doug Bracewell and Jimmy Neesham on Thursday earned recalls for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Bracewell last featured in a T20I against West Indies earlier in January, while Neesham represented the Black Caps in the Champions Trophy in 2017.

"Doug (Bracewell) and Jimmy (Neesham) have performed well on the domestic scene and showed during the recent New Zealand A series against India A that they are ready for international cricket," International Cricket Council quoted New Zealand's chief selector Gavin Larsen, as saying.

Apart from Bracewell and Neesham, wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert is all set for his ODI debut, while opener Martin Guptill will make a comeback from an injury.

Guptill, who had been named in the limited-overs squad against Pakistan last month, had to withdraw from the series after sustaining a calf injury.

"Tim's (Seifert) also been rewarded for his strong New Zealand A form and we have been impressed by the development of his all-rounder game," Larsen added.

Seifert will replace Tom Latham, who has been left out as "the selector's endeavour to give opportunities to a wider group of players", New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Colin de Grandhomme has been rested "following an extensive workload over the past 12 months."

"Colin's (de Grandhomme) played almost non-stop over the past year so will take a well-earned rest as we continue to monitor the workloads of those who play all three formats. It is great to have Martin (Guptill) back after injury and he will obviously add all his class and experience to the side," the statement added.

New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series, beginning from January 3 in Mount Maunganui.