Opener Jesse Ryder is back in the Black Vaps squad for the final Twenty20 match against South Africa at Eden Park.
The left-handed batsman, who hasn’t played for New Zealand since the test win over Australia in Hobart last December, suffered a torn calf muscle while playing for Wellington during a domestic Twenty20 match.
He replaces Andrew Ellis, who is returning to Christchurch for the anniversary of the Canterbury earthquake.
Ryder has been in good touch for Wellington in Ford Cup, hitting 74 off 50 balls against Canterbury.
National selection manager Kim Littlejohn says Ellis’ absence was provided the perfect opportunity to bring Ryder back into the squad.
The Black Caps play South Africa in the final of three Twenty20 matches at Eden Park on Wednesday.
Black Caps squad:
Brendon McCullum (c), Michael Bates, Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Ronnie Hira, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson.
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