Bracewell to skip South Africa ODIs

Keep up to date with all that's new around the world - read match reports and more from every international played

New Zealand have rested fast bowler Doug Bracewell for the three one-day internationals with South Africa next month to keep him fresh for the series versus England.

The 22-year-old played in the three recent Twenty20 internationals against the Proteas and is set to feature in the two Tests during the first half of January.

He is likely to be an important bowler for the Black Caps at home to England in all three formats during February and March.

Doug Bracewell, who played in the three Twenty20 internationals, will sit out the three one-day internationals against South Africa

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said the decision “is in-line with our policy to sensibly manage player workloads.”

He added: "Doug has a big role to play in the Test series against South Africa and will benefit from the opportunity to freshen up ahead of the home series against England."

Four international debutants in the 2-1 T20I loss to South Africa have been named in a 15-man ODI squad. They are batsman Colin Munro, fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan and all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Corey Anderson.

Left-arm spinner Ronnie Hira, who is yet to play ODIs, has been picked along with batsman Kane Williamson, wicketkeeper BJ Watling and pacemen Kyle Mills plus Adam Milne.

The first ODI is on January 19 at Paarl, the second three days later at Kimberley and the third on January 25 at Potchefstroom.

Meanwhile, McClenaghan has been added to the Test squad in place of the injured Tim Southee, who was ruled out last week with a thumb injury.