Oram and Ryder return to NZ squad

New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram and batsmen Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder have been named in the 13-member squad for New Zealand for its two Twenty20 Internationals against India this week.

All three aforementioned players have succumbed to injuries in the recent past.

Oram missed the Chappell-Hadlee series due to a calf strain injury. He will not bowl and will be utilized only as a batsman for the Twenty20 Internationals.

Like Oram, Ryder too missed the limited over internationals against Trans-Tasman rivals Australia owing to a rotator cuff injury which flared up and did not heal in time for the opening ODI.

Ross Taylor, who represented New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia which was drawn 2-2, injured his hamstring during the one-off Twenty20 International against the same side but is now cleared fit to play.

The notable absentee from the New Zealand line-up is pacer Kyle Mills who has suffered an Achilles heel injury. Mills also missed the Twenty20 International against Australia which his side lost by one run.

Speaking about the fast bowler’s injury, New Zealand selection panel head Glen Turner said, “He's had an ultrasound scan which showed no tear in the tendon so it might be inflammation of the sheath. We are just not quite sure.”

Mills was recently purchased by the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians to play for the franchise in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.

Fast bowler Ewen Thompson has been named as Mills’ replacement. “He will give the side additional strength as a specialist new ball and swing bowler,” said Turner about Thompson’s inclusion in the squad.

The Otago pair of Nathan McCullum and Ian Butler have been retained in the squad after their impressive debuts in Sydney, while Peter Fulton has been left out.

The first Twenty20 International between New Zealand and India will be played on February 25 at Christchurch while the second one will be played at Wellington, two days later, on February 27.

The Twenty20 Internationals will be followed up by a series of five ODIs and three Tests. India has not won a Test match in New Zealand in 23 years.

New Zealand squad for Twenty20 Internationals: Daniel Vettori (captain), Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ewen Thompson.