Thaindian News

Auckland, Feb 20(ANI): New Zealand have recalled fast bowler Shane Bond for the two Twenty20 matches and the five game ODI series against Australia.Bond, who recently retired from Test cricket, replaces fellow fast bowler Ian Butler and is the only change to the Twenty 20 group that prepared for the one-off defeat of Bangladesh this month.

New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch said Bond was primed to return after missing the Bangladesh series to ensure he was fully fit to face Australia.

“We’re very happy with Shane’s progress. He has had five-six games now with Canterbury and club cricket and he’s ready to go. He’s very, very excited … he’s always saved his best for them so he’s looking forward to getting stuck in and helping us,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Greatbatch, as saying.

“He offers a lot, he’s a professional and he’s experienced. He bowls quick and he’s a real asset to captain Daniel Vettori as far as the bowling is concerned so we’re excited to have him back,” he added.

Along with Bond, all-rounder Scott Styris and offspinner Nathan McCullum have also been included in the team.

Meanwhile, pace bowler Andy McKay has been ruled out of the series due to an injured foot.

New Zealand and Australia will play the Twenty20 games in Wellington on February 26 and Christchurch on February 28.

The one-day series takes in games in Napier (March 3), Auckland (March 6), Hamilton (March 9), Auckland (March 11) and Wellington (March 13).

New Zealand’s 12-man squad for Twenty20: Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum, Peter Ingram, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, James Franklin, Jacob Oram, Gareth Hopkins, Nathan McCullum, Tim Southee, Daryl Tuffey and Shane Bond.

New Zealand’s 13-man squad for One-day international:

Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum, Peter Ingram, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Neil Broom, James Franklin, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Tim Southee, Daryl Tuffey and Shane Bond. (ANI)