Fit-again Nash recalled by New Zealand

Fit-again all-rounder Dion Nash was recalled to the New Zealand squad on Thursday to play in an international tri-series in Sri Lanka in July, which also involves India.

Nash, seriously troubled by back problems three times in the last four years, broke down on New Zealand's injury-prone tour of Zimbabwe last September and was unavailable for the return series against Zimbabwe and the subsequent visits to New Zealand by Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Also selected was left-arm orthodox spinner Daniel Vettori, who also injured his back in Zimbabwe -- for the second time in six months.

Vettori returned to one-day action against Sri Lanka and Pakistan last February, but missed the Pakistan test series to further protect his back.

Chris Cairns, who had a major operation on his right knee in February, was not selected. He is targeting his return to the New Zealand team for the three-test tour of Pakistan in September.

Chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee said: "Dion and Daniel have been given a clean bill of health by the medical panel. The selectors will be looking for Dion to contribute as a bowler and a middle order batsman."

All-rounder Grant Bradburn has been retained after making a comeback against Pakistan 10 years after his last appearance for New Zealand. He tours at the expense of Otago off-spinner Paul Wiseman.

Left-arm seamer Shayne O'Connor has recovered from injury but has been overlooked in favour of Wellington left-armer James Franklin, who made an impressive start to his international career in place of O'Connor last summer.

Batsman Roger Twose was not named in the squad. There were doubts about his availability and while he has not officially announced his retirement, he may have played his last one-day match for New Zealand.

Squad:
1. Stephen Fleming (Middlesex and Wellington)
2. Nathan Astle (Canterbury)
3. Grant Bradburn (Northern Districts)
4. James Franklin (Wellington)
5. Chris Harris (Canterbury)
6. Craig McMillan (Canterbury)
7. Kyle Mills (Auckland)
8. Dion Nash (Auckland)
9. Jacob Oram (Central Districts)
10. Adam Parore (Auckland)
11. Mathew Sinclair (Central Districts)
12. Darryl Tuffey (Northern Districts)
13. Daniel Vettori (Northern Districts)
14. Lou Vincent (Auckland)

Mail Cricket Editor