Stephen Fleming returns to BLACKCAPS

The BLACKCAPS team for the fourth one-day international against Sri Lanka at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday, January 6, is:

Stephen Fleming (c)
Andre Adams
Shane Bond
James Franklin
Peter Fulton
Mark Gillespie
Hamish Marshall
Michael Mason
Brendon McCullum
Craig McMillan
Jeetan Patel
Ross Taylor
Daniel Vettori

In naming the side, coach John Bracewell said the new squad was highlighted by the return of Stephen Fleming and Craig McMillan. Jeetan Patel, who was released from the squad to play for Wellington yesterday, also returns. James Marshall has been released to make way for McMillan.

“The return of Stephen means that Nathan Astle will remain in Christchurch for this match.

“With the continued use of Brendon McCullum at the top of the order, it is now necessary to introduce a player who can provide a powerful finish to the innings and we are looking to Craig to provide that.

“James Marshall is the unlucky one to miss out, but we want him to continue to put pressure on those selected in the squad,” Bracewell said.

The team for the fifth match will be named after this game.