New Zealand plot 'gas' attack against Kangaroos in Australia

NZ selector Gavin Larsen tips pacer Lockie Ferguson as an element of surprise

HAMILTON: New Zealand believe they have unearthed a genuine express bowler in Lockie Ferguson who was named Friday in the one-day squad for next month's limited over series against Australia.

Newcomer Ferguson and spinner Todd Astle, who has played Test and T20 cricket, were the only new faces in the 14-man ODI lineup to defend the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

Colin de Grandhomme earned a recall after picking up a man-of-the-match award in his Test debut against Pakistan last week.

The 25-year-old Ferguson bowls consistently above 140 kilometres per hour (86 mph) and occasionally tops 150 kph which sets him apart from New Zealand's trade mark stable of medium-fast bowlers.

"There's some real gas to Lockie Ferguson so there's an element of surprise and no batsman like playing guys who are bowling with that sort of pace," selector Gavin Larsen said.

Australia have lost the last two Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand and were whitewashed 5-0 in an ODI series against South Africa last month although Larsen said that makes them dangerous.

"Given that they're in turmoil I expect them to come hard at us, probably ruthless. I think they will be hurting and will want to put us away."

Senior batsman Ross Taylor is to undergo eye surgery next week and will not tour, but Trent Boult who is sitting out the second Test against Pakistan with a knee injury, has been retained.

Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan, George Worker and Corey Anderson were not considered because of injury.

The first match in the series is in Sydney on December 4, followed by Canberra on December 6 and Melbourne on December 9.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee and BJ Watling.