Cairns returns against Australia

New Zealand have named their 14-man squad for the three Chappell-Hadlee matches against Australia early next month, with a major feature being the return of Chris Cairns after his exclusion from the South Africa series.

New Zealand missed having a true all-rounder in that series after Jacob Oram’s injury ruled out his chances of bowling, so the return of Cairns and the return to fitness of Oram could help their chances against Australia.

Another notable selection is Hamish Marshall, who could consider himself very lucky after a terrible run of recent form, while Stephen Fleming is in doubt for the first match on the 3rd of Decemebr due to a “personal medical matter” but is expected to return for the second match in Wellington on December 7.

New Zealand squad: Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle, Hamish Marshall, Scott Styris, Lou Vincent, Jacob Oram, James Marshall, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Kyle Mills.