The series, which takes place in between the second and third Tests against the Kiwis, will be Matthew Mott’s first as head coach of the England white-ball team, and whilst he will be unable to select the likes of Ben Stokes, Joe Root or Jonny Bairstow, he is likely to want as strong a squad as possible for his first tour in charge in order to get to know the players.

With no red-ball players available, we have had a look at what Mott’s first selection could look like.

Opening batters

Jason Roy, Phil Salt

Jason Roy is guaranteed a spot at the top of the order if he is available but the question is who will join him in the absence of Jonny Bairstow. Phil Salt is perhaps the most likely having impressed when called upon against Pakistan last year and also in the T20 series against West Indies in January. However, England have a wealth of options to call upon if they decide to go another route and could call upon any of Dawid Malan, Ben Duckett, Tom Banton or even the uncapped Will Jacks.

Middle-order

James Vince, Eoin Morgan, Liam Livingstone, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler

England’s white-ball depth is arguably best displayed by their middle-order options. James Vince will be likely to play at three after scoring his maiden international century from that position in his most recent appearance in an England ODI shirt. That being said, he could also double up as the third opener in the squad which would free up space elsewhere. Meanwhile all of Eoin Morgan, Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler are nailed on starters, if available for selection. With the middle-order almost at full strength and wicketkeeper Phil Salt potentially opening the batting, Sam Billings could be on drinks running duty once more.

All-rounders

Moeen Ali,  Sam Curran

Moeen Ali is the obvious selection here and England may also look to take the chance to get Sam Curran back into the international fold, although his bowling loads are currently being carefully managed so the trip may be too soon. England could also call upon the ever reliable Liam Dawson and Lewis Gregory to balance the team if they wish. Chris Woakes is currently injured although if deemed fit and not in the Test squad he could also be in contention.

Seamers

Reece Topley, David Willey, Brydon Carse

A quirk of England’s white-ball depth is the dominance of the left-arm seamer. Including Sam Curran, five of the six seamers in contention are left-arm meaning the right-armed Brydon Carse may be fancied despite only having just returned to domestic action. David Willey and Reece Topley have been favoured in recent times meaning the last spot may be fought for between David Payne and George Garton. Although, given the shortage of right-arm seamers, don’t rule out a return of Chris Jordan despite him not having played ODI cricket since 2020.

Spinners

Adil Rashid, Matt Parkinson

Expect both spinners to be selected if not necessarily play together as England have the spin of Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone to also call upon. However, England did show they were not averse to picking the two leggies together in their T20 series against Pakistan last summer.

Potential Squad:

Eoin Morgan*
Jason Roy
Phil Salt +
James Vince
Liam Livingstone
Jos Buttler
Sam Billings +
Moeen Ali
Sam Curran
Reece Topley
David Willey
Brydon Carse
David Payne/George Garton
Adil Rashid
Moeen Ali