ODI squad for the India series

The squad for the ODIs in India was announced a couple of days ago, and it's fair to say the core of this side will be back in India for the World Cup, which gives the series some added importance.

The changes from the disastrous Bangladesh series are mostly along expected lines. Out goes the inexperience of Stewart, Redmond, Watling and Bennett and in come Guptill, Jamie How, Styris and Hopkins.

How has pretty much demanded selection, after his displays last domestic season and in the Champions League. He could possibly interchange with Guptill or Ryder. Styris was badly missed in Bangladesh and is an important part of NZ's world cup plans. He is 35 now, so this could well be his final season in international cricket.

My concerns are around two of the names missing. With no mention of Jacob Oram, I'm guessing he is still down with injury. When is he likely to recover, and will he get enough matchplay under his belt to push for World Cup selection?

I'm also not too happy with the axing of BJ Watling. He has really struggled on the subcontinent so far, no doubt, but his wicketkeeping skills make him a much better choice for reserve gloveman than Hopkins. He made a decent fist of opening at the test level last season, so I hope the selectors recognise him as an important fringe player and don't keep him off their radar.