Lou Vincent has earned a recall to the New Zealand squad © Getty Images Enlarge

Lou Vincent has been rushed to Perth to join the New Zealand squad after the surprise retirement of Nathan Astle. Vincent could make his return against Australia on Sunday having been left out of the side since the one-day clashes with Sri Lanka that started in December.

But strong form for Auckland in the State Shield put Vincent at the head of the queue to replace Astle, who like much of the top order was struggling in the CB Series. Vincent made 129 against Canterbury and 51 against Northern Districts in his most recent domestic matches to give him hope of a World Cup berth.

Vincent, who will join the squad today, adds experience to the New Zealand top order. He has played 87 one-day internationals since his debut in 2000-01, but his poor form at the Champions Trophy earned him a break from international cricket and he has passed 25 only once in his last ten ODI innings.