Ryder, Franklin, McKay recalled to NZ ODI squad

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Fast bowler Andy McKay has been recalled to the New Zealand cricket squad, bolstering its attack for the three-match limited-overs international series against South Africa.

McKay was named on Monday among a 14-man squad, winning his international recall along with allrounder James Franklin and top-order batsman Jesse Ryder who was earlier added to the New Zealand squad for Wednesday's third Twenty20 match.

Ryder, McKay and Franklin replace Dean Browlie and Jacob Oram, who have been omitted because of injuries, and teenage allrounder Tom Latham who is left out after making his international debut in the recent series against Zimbabwe.

Brendon McCullum will captain the New Zealand team in the absence of Ross Taylor who is sidelined with a calf injury.

National selection manager Kim Littlejohn said the selectors were pleased with Latham's progress in his first period in the New Zealand team.

"We decided to leave Tom out of (this) side," he said. "We are a pleased with his first stint at international level, but in terms of his overall development felt it was best for him to return to domestic cricket. He remains in our thinking for the future.

"James has been in good touch during the current Twenty20 series while Jesse has been shown that he is ready for a return to top level cricket," Littlejohn added. "Andy McKay bolsters the bowling attack and deserves his spot after putting in consistent performances across the summer."

McKay joins a fast bowling attack that also includes Kyle Mills, Michael Bates, Doug Bracewell and Tim Southee, while Tarun Nethula, Kane Williamson, Nathan McCullum, Rob Nicol and Martin Guptill provide spin variation. Allrounders Franklin and Andrew Ellis add to a squad which has 13 fulltime or part time bowlers.

The one-day internationals will be played at Wellington on Saturday, Napier on Wednesday, Feb. 29 and Auckland on Saturday, March 3.