NZ recall for Nash after three-match ban

All-rounder Dion Nash, who has just completed a three-match suspension for verbal abuse, has been recalled to the New Zealand squad for a triangular one-day series in Australia later this month.

Nash, who was suspended for abusing an opposing player and an umpire in a provincial match while playing for Auckland against Otago, was named in a 14-man squad for a series also involving hosts Australia and South Africa.

The all-rounder missed Auckland's four-day championship game against Northern Districts last month, as well as two one-day matches on January 1 and 2.

Selection of the New Zealand side for the one-day series had been delayed to allow fringe players to impress selectors.

Batsman Brendon McCallum and all-rounders Andre Adams and Kyle Mills are named in a New Zealand one-day squad for the first time.

McCallum, 20, captained the New Zealand under-19 side last year and has made a prolific start to the 2001-02 domestic season with his province Otago.

Nathan Astle, who broke a bone in a hand during the recent test series against Bangladesh, has not been included but chairman of selectors Richard Hadlee said the top-order batsman could join the squad later in January.

Test opener Mark Richardson earns his first one-day call-up, but batsman Mathew Sinclair is dropped after displaying poor form in recent test matches.

Richardson has scored 1088 runs in only 14 tests at an average of 54.40 but had not previously been considered for one-day internationals because it was felt his fielding was not up to standard.

New Zealand's first match in the tri-series is against Australia in Melbourne on January 11.

New Zealand squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Andre Adams, Shane Bond, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Brendon McCallum, Craig McMillan, Kyle Mills, Dion Nash, Adam Parore, Mark Richardson, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.

Mail Cricket Editor