Munro fit for the T20 tri-series opener

New Zealand all-rounder Colin Munro, who has recovered fully from a hamstring niggle, is all set to make a return in the first T20I of the upcoming Trans-Tasman T20 tri-series against Australia and England.

The 30-year-old sustained the injury during the second T20I against Pakistan and was subsequently ruled out of the series-deciding third match, which the visitors went on to win by 18 runs to clinch the series 2-1.

With Munro returning to the top of the order, skipper Kane Williamson will drop back down to the third spot.

Reflecting on Munro's return, New Zealand national selector Gavin Larsen said,"Colin has been assessed and we're optimistic he will be fine by Sunday.We've seen how big an impact Colin has in white-ball cricket, so we're looking forward to having him back."

Munro has recently been bought by Delhi Daredevils for Rs 1.9 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction on Saturday.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell has also received the nod in the 14-man squad at the expense of Glenn Phillips, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who was a part of the squad for the last two T20Is of the three-match series against Pakistan, has been left out for the tri-series opener against Australia.

New Zealand will lock horns with Australia in the first match of the tri-series on February 3 in Sydney before they head home to play the remainder of the series.

The New Zealand squad for first T20I against Australia is as follows:

Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Anaru Kitchen, Colin Munro, Seth Rance, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ben Wheeler.

--ANI