Axed New Zealand skipper back to face England

WELLINGTON (AFP) –

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor plays a shot in Colombo on November 28, 2012. Taylor returned to the Black Caps’ fold Friday when he was named in the one-day and Twenty20 squads to face the touring England side this month.

Sacked New Zealand captain Ross Taylor returned to the Black Caps’ fold Friday when he was named in the one-day and Twenty20 squads to face the touring England side this month.

Taylor, New Zealand’s best batsman, sat out the Black Caps recent trip to South Africa after being dropped as captain in favour of Brendon McCullum in early December.

Coach Mike Hesson, a key figure in Taylor’s axing, said he was pleased to welcome the 28-year-old back to the national side.

“Ross is a world-class batsman who is a key part of the Black Caps side,” he said.

The limited overs squads contained only one new cap, Otago batsman Hamish Rutherford in the T20 line-up, with chief selector Kim Littlejohn saying he was looking for stability.

“There are a couple of changes that have been forced through injury but essentially we want to be seen to provide continuity from one series to the next,” he said.

Allrounder Andrew Ellis returns after an injury lay-off, while Grant Elliott was called in to replace Corey Anderson, who was sidelined with a fractured thumb.

New Zealand will play three ODIs and three T20s against England, with the first T20 on February 9.

A squad for the three-Test series against England in March will be announced separately.

ODI squad

Brendon McCullum (captain), Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.

Twenty20 squad

Brendon McCullum (captain), Trent Boult, Ian Butler, Grant Elliott, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Roneel Hira, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Colin Munro, Hamish Rutherford, Ross Taylor

Fixtures

Twenty20 series

Feb 09: 1st Twenty20, Eden Park, Auckland

Feb 12: 2nd Twenty20, Seddon Park, Hamilton

Feb 15: 3rd Twenty20, Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington

ODI series

Feb 17: 1st ODI, Seddon Park, Hamilton

Feb 20: 2nd ODI, McLean Park, Napier

Feb 23: 3rd ODI, Eden Park, Auckland