Wilson rides back into Black Cap

Jeff Wilson's transition from Black Cap to All Black and back became another step closer today when he was named in New Zealand's squad for the first two one-day matches against Australia. Kyle Mills joins Wilson in the 13-man squad for the Twenty20 match on Thursday and 50-over games at Wellington and Christchurch after recovering from an Achilles injury.

Wilson, who played 60 rugby Tests, first showed his all-round cricket talents for his country almost 12 years ago and has been given an opportunity to add to his four international matches following success against the FICA World XI. "Jeff has slotted in very well and probably surprised a few people, especially with his pace," John Bracewell, the coach, said. "He has given us glimpses of his potential and now he will get the chance to give us an eyeful." Wilson, a bowling allrounder, took 3 for 9 in the third match of the series last month.

Bracewell said Mills was not showing any lingering effects from the injury that restricted his involvement in the Auckland Aces' last State Shield match and ruled him out of the State of Origin fixture at New Plymouth. New Zealand will release one player for domestic duties after the Wellington game on Saturday.

New Zealand Stephen Fleming (capt), Nathan Astle, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Hamish Marshall, Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum (wk), Jeff Wilson, Daniel Vettori, Andre Adams, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey.