NZ coach Hesson welcomes selection continuity for Ind series

New Zealand has virtually retained its squad that drew against West Indies for the upcoming ODI series versus India and coach Mike Hesson has hailed the decision, saying the selection continuity is a welcome change for the Black Caps.
The 13-player squad, which drew the series 2-2 against the Caribbeans, was more or less retained with reserve batsman Colin Munro, who will return to play for his provincial side, being the only omission.
But with very little time between the two home series, Hesson said it was necessary to retain the squad, particularly the batting line-up, which has seen plenty of changes in the past two years.

"It's something that we've struggled to do, especially in the shorter form and especially at the top of the order," Hesson was quoted as saying by New Zealand Herald.
"We've had a lot of injuries and had to rotate a lot of different guys, so to be able to give Jesse (Ryder) and Martin (Guptill) a good opportunity to string a number of games together (is positive)."
The consistency in selection means there is healthy competition in New Zealand's pace department with Mitchell McClenaghan, Tim Southee, Kyle Mills and Adam Milne fighting it out among themselves for a spot in the playing eleven.

"We've got four good quicks vying for three spots in that first ODI (against India)," Hesson said.
"So it'll be a good discussion to have. I look forward to it."
Mills, who turns 35 in March, could be under pressure to retain his place, particularly with the rise of young prospects like Trent Boult, but Hesson said the veteran pacer would be given ample opportunity to prove his worth against India.