In-form batsman Usman Khawaja has been recalled in the Australian squad in a bid to stay alive in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Earlier, Australia had preferred Shaun Marsh to open the batting with David Warner at the expense of Khawaja in the opening match of the Chappell-Hadlee series, which the Steve Smith-led side went on to lose by 159 runs.
Talking about his inclusion, Khawaja, who had displayed an impressive form in Tests, insisted that playing against New Zealand would be a new challenge for him, adding that he was looking forward to the series, Sport24 reported.
Khawaja, however, admitted that the visitors play extremely good in home conditions and that they would come even harder in the remaining matches.
Besides Khawaja, Australia have also called in leg-spinner Adam Zampa to replace injured James Faulkner.
The two sides will play their second ODI at Westpac Trust Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.
