New Zealand have brought back star batsman Martin Guptil for the fourth ODI against South Africa in Hamilton on Wednesday. 

The experienced opener, who has 141 caps to his name and an average of 42.52, will look to mend New Zealand’s batting woes after they were bowled out for 112 in the third ODI against the Proteas at Wellington on Saturday.

The Black Caps, after their 159-run defeat, are expecting a shake-up after their captain Kane Williamson confirmed that ‘a number of (selection) discussions’ are to take place.

Tom Latham, who is stuck in a rut of late, is the likely fall guy as New Zealand welcome back their star opener after he was sidelined due to injury. Luke Ronchi is the favourite to take over the wicketkeeper duties if Latham is replaced.

Along with Guptill, off-spinner Jeetan Patel has been called up to the side in place of pace bowler Matt Henry, who hasn’t had a run-out since the Bangladesh series in December.

Selector Gavin Larsen said the inclusion of 36-year-old Patel, who will be the third spinner in the squad, was based on the wicket in Hamilton where the fourth ODI will be played on Wednesday.

‘We saw in the opening ODI that Seddon Park had something in it for the spinners and we want to be well-covered, should it be a similar situation this time around,’ he said.

‘We already have two spinners in Mitch (Santner) and Ish (Sodhi) within the squad, but Jeetan provides a different set of skills again. He’s experienced and his quality is well known.’

New Zealand Squad:

Kane Williamson (captain), Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Dean Brownlie, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Jeetan Patel, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.