Vettori rested for Twenty20 matches

Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand left-arm spinner, has been rested for the two Twenty20 internationals against Sri Lanka at Wellington and Auckland on December 22 and 26. Shane Bond has been rested for the Auckland clash, with Michael Mason, the Central Districts medium-pace bowler, called up in his place.

"Our main focus for the season is the World Cup. It is essential, if we wish to perform well there, that we provide reconditioning windows for some of our key players, continue to build depth in all areas and provide contingencies in case of injury," said John Bracewell, New Zealand's coach. "This Twenty20 series provides a re-conditioning opportunity for Daniel Vettori and then Shane Bond, and others will be provided with that opportunity during the one-day series.

"The selectors have taken this opportunity to see Brendon McCullum open the batting and we couple this chance with providing Peter McGlashan his first game, and he will take the gloves. We hope to give Gareth Hopkins an opportunity later in the series as well, but he is injured on this occasion."

There were recalls for Andre Adams, the allrounder, and James Marshall, the middle-order batsman. Jacob Oram, Kyle Mills, Scott Styris and Hopkins were not considered for selection because of injury concerns.

Squad
Stephen Fleming (capt), Andre Adams, Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, James Marshall, Brendon McCullum (wk), Peter McGlashan, Jeetan Patel, Ross Taylor.