Sodhi's heroics not enough for NZ return

Ish Sodhi's stunning form in the KFC Big Bash League has not been enough to win a recall to New Zealand’s one-day side for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen confirmed Sodhi's 6-11 for the Adelaide Strikers in a winning Twenty20 cause against the Sydney Thunder on Wednesday had forced some careful consideration.

Sodhi returned the second best figures in BBL history – behind Lasith Malinga’s 6-7 for the Melbourne Stars in 2012 – and ended the Thunder’s title defence in the process.

The 24-year-old, who has represented his country 39 times across the three formats, removed Ben Rohrer, Carlos Brathwaite, Jay Lenton, Arjun Nair, Chris Green and Clint McKay in an outstanding exhibition of slow bowling.

However, Larsen and coach Mike Hesson decided the flat venues for the first two ODIs – Auckland's Eden Park and Napier's McLean Park – were not the place to expose the attacking leg-spinner against Australia, with Mitchell Santner the lone spinner.

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"It was an outstanding effort across the ditch playing for the Strikers. I'm absolutely rapt for Ish," Larsen said.

"In T20 cricket he's a stand up starter and he delivered over there.

"But we didn't feel there was a need for two frontline spinners in the squad."

Sodhi said his time with the Strikers had “rejuvenated” him and sparked a dwindling passion for the game.

"It's been exceptional. I've loved every minute of being over here," Sodhi told cricket.com.au.

"It was pretty unexpected but they've rejuvenated my love for the game.

"I'm leaving a lot happier and lot more content with the game than I was when I got here."

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Larsen said he was keen to see Sodhi perform at domestic level when given 10 overs, rather than just the four of the shortest form.

Sodhi’s statistics from 13 ODIs aren't compelling, having been dropped following an underwhelming tour of India.

"Ish is a massive part of our future in New Zealand. We just want to handle him the right way," Larsen said.

Sodhi's chance could come as soon as the third ODI at his home ground Seddon Park in Hamilton on February 5, when the selectors may consider a second spinner.

Australia are expected to announce their squad after Sunday's fourth VB ODI against Pakistan in Sydney.

Australia have relied on Travis Head to perform the slow-bowling duties in recent ODI matches against New Zealand and Pakistan despite the fact leggie Adam Zampa was the leading wicket-taker in the world in 2016.

Zampa returned 2-66 from 10 overs in the opening match of the Chappell-Hadlee series in December, but has been absent from Australia’s past five ODI fixtures.

The 24-year-old boasts 30 wickets from 19 matches since making his debut for Australia in the second match of the ODI series in New Zealand last February.

Zampa returned three wickets from two appearances on that tour, setting the platform for a fine debut year on the international stage.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.