England's selectors have sprung a surprise by naming Tim Ambrose as the only wicketkeeper in a 14-man squad for the one-day series against New Zealand.

Ambrose has become the first choice behind the stumps in Test cricket but has yet to make his limited overs debut.

Durham's Phil Mustard, who kept wicket and opened the innings during the recent series with the Black Caps Down Under, has been left out.

After being tipped to win an international recall there is also no place for Matt Prior, while the selectors have not risked Andrew Flintoff, who is currently out of action with a side strain.

National Selector, Geoff Miller, said on Friday morning: "In choosing these players, we were keen to show consistency with the nucleus of the squad from the winter and give further opportunities to individuals who we feel are likely to be an important part of our plans as we build towards the ICC World 2020 event in England next summer and the next ICC Cricket World Cup.

"Tim Ambrose has already shown that he has the temperament and the ability required to succeed in Test cricket and his selection reflects our desire to use the same wicketkeeper in both the long and short forms of the game.

"Phil Mustard will, of course, be disappointed not to have been selected on this occasion but he remains a player of terrific potential and we will continue to monitor his performances closely along with a number of other wicketkeepers in domestic cricket."

The absence of both Mustard and Prior means England must find a new partner for Alastair Cook at the top of the order, with the party containing no other recognised opening batsman.

Ian Bell has been used in the role before in one-day cricket but Miller has hinted that they will look to use someone capable of making the most of the powerplay overs.

"We are aware of the need to identify a player who can take over the opener's role from Phil and play in a positive manner at the start of the innings," Miller added.

"We do have a number of options available within the squad and we will make a final decision as to who will fulfil this role once we have had further discussions with the captain and coach prior to the start of the series."

As for Flintoff, the selection panel were keen not to rush the all-rounder back too soon from his latest injury setback.

"Andrew Flintoff is still recovering from a side strain and we would prefer to wait until he is 100 per cent fit before considering him for selection," Miller said.

"We will be guided by the England medical team as to when the best time would be for him to return to international cricket.

"His rehabilitation is progressing well at present and we are optimistic that he will be available for selection later in the summer."

England face the Kiwis in a Twenty20 International at Old Trafford on Friday June 13 before the start of a five-match one-day series.

England squad: Paul Collingwood (Durham, capt), Tim Ambrose (Warwickshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Ravi Bopara (Essex), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Alastair Cook (Essex), Dimitri Mascarenhas (Hampshire), Kevin Pietersen (Hampshire), Owais Shah (Middlesex), Ryan Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire), Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire), Chris Tremlett (Hampshire), Luke Wright (Sussex)