E-Paper
Injuries rule Oram, Mills out of ODIs
Michael Mason was recalled to the New Zealand team for the first two matches of this month's five-match ODI series against West Indies.
Medium pacer Michael Mason was recalled to the New Zealand cricket team on Thursday for the first two matches of this month's five-match limited overs series against the West Indies.
Mason played five one-day matches for New Zealand in 2004, lost his place for almost 12 months, but has reclaimed it on the back of consistent domestic form and after injuries ruled out all-rounders Andre Adams, Jacob Oram and Kyle Mills.
Oram has a bruised heal, Adams a hand injury and Mills a groin strain. No dates have been set for their returns. Mills is expected to play an Auckland club match Saturday and will be considered for the third match of the Windies series, but Oram's future is more uncertain.
New Zealand coach John Bracewell said those injuries and Mason's ability to bowl line and length in one-day matches had led to his recall.
"With the gap left by injuries to Kyle Mills, Andre Adams and Jacob Oram, he has a real opportunity to prove himself at international level," Bracewell said.
Nathan Astle was also named in the New Zealand squad on Thursday after being dropped, then recalled, during last month's series against Sri Lanka.
Chris Cairns has been named to play in the Twenty20 match which opens the West Indies tour at Auckland on Feb. 16 in what will be his farewell appearance for New Zealand. Cairns, 35, last month announced his retirement from all international cricket.The first limited overs match will be played on Feb. 18.
Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Jamie How, Lou Vincent, Peter Fulton, Hamish Marshall, Nathan Astle, Scott Styris, Brendon McCullum, Chris Cairns, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Jeetan Patel, Shane Bond, Michael Mason.
