O'Brien to return home

Fast bowler Iain O'Brien has been released from New Zealand's squad for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee Series.

O'Brien was included after Shane Bond was ruled out due to an abdominal strain, but he too will take not part in the series after a poor start to the tour. His four overs during New Zealand's warm-up loss at Lilac Hill cost 52 runs, though he did pick up a wicket.

O'Brien, 31, has yet to make his ODI debut but played in both Test losses in South Africa last month.

He will return home in time to play for Wellington in their State Championship match against Central Districts starting in Napier on Monday.

New Zealand play Australia in a Twenty20 international in Perth on Tuesday before the first of three ODIs at the Adelaide Oval on December 14.