Daijiworld Media Network – New Zealand

New Zealand, Nov 12: Fast bowler Brett Randell has received his maiden international call-up to the New Zealand squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India, New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday.

The uncapped 31-year-old pacer recently returned after featuring for Derbyshire in the County Championship. He is expected to make his international debut during the series.

New Zealand have also recalled Josh Clarkson for the final match of the series. Clarkson, who has played six ODIs for the country, last represented the national side against Bangladesh in April this year.

The changes come amid a series of injury concerns, particularly in New Zealand's pace bowling department.

"It's always a special time when a player earns their first international call-up. We're very pleased for Brett. He's been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for some time now and has earned this opportunity," New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said.

He added that the team was fortunate to bring in Randell and Clarkson following several changes during the series and expressed hope that favourable weather would allow New Zealand to finish the series on a positive note.

Northern Districts pathway coach Mitch Renwick and strength and conditioning coach Corey Mileys have joined Walter and Martin Guptill for the fourth and fifth ODIs.

Meanwhile, bowling coach Jacob Oram, batting coach Luke Ronchi and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson have left for Wellington to prepare for the upcoming Test assignment.