Papps replaces struggling Sinclair

Mathew Sinclair has been dropped for New Zealand's next two one-day matches against Australia and sent back to the State Championship to re-find his form. New Zealand have lost the opening two encounters and must win the remaining three to claim the series.

Most of the batsmen have failed to warm-up against Australia's opening attack of Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath, but Sinclair was the only one punished following scores of 0 and 15 and a first-ball duck in the Twenty20 match. His place was taken by Michael Papps, the Canterbury batsman, who averages 51 in five one-day internationals and has a highest score of 92 not out against South Africa.

Andre Adams was released from the original squad to play in the State Championship last weekend, but he returned to the 13-man outfit instead of Scott Styris, who is suffering bone bruising in his left knee. New Zealand's medical staff will monitor his recovery this week before deciding if he will be considered for the final match at Napier on March 5.

John Bracewell said Sinclair was struggling to find his State Shield form and would benefit from some time with his provincial side. He said Papps had fought well to win back the spot he lost when dislocating his shoulder before the tour of Bangladesh last October.

James Marshall, the twin brother of Hamish Marshall, has kept his position after being 12th man for yesterday's 106-run loss. Matches three and four are at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday and the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Tuesday.

New Zealand Stephen Fleming (capt), Nathan Astle, Michael Papps, Craig McMillan, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Jeff Wilson, Andre Adams, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey.