McMillan recalled after Oram strains back

Due to Jacob Oram's back strain, Craig McMillan has been recalled to the New Zealand side which takes on the FICA World XI in a three-match one-day series. McMillan had recently admitted his dying chances of returning to the side this summer, but found himself back in the squad less than a month after admitting his fading aspirations.

But John Bracewell, New Zealand's coach, said that McMillan's run in domestic cricket had been exemplary, and saw the possibility of him slipping into Oram's role. "His role in the squad will be as a batting allrounder," said Bracewell. "He has been in excellent form for Canterbury and will take a lot of confidence into this series."

However, all was not bleak for Oram. His fitness will be assessed everyday and, if his back responds well to treatment, could even play in the second or third game.