Oram, Taylor return but concerns grow over Mills

Jacob Oram and Ross Taylor have returned from injury and been named in New Zealand's 13-man squad for two Twenty20s against India, but there appears growing concern for Kyle Mills. Mills missed New Zealand's last Twenty20, a one-run loss to Australia in Sydney recently, due to an Achilles tendon problem, and his situation was still unclear.

"He's had an ultrasound scan which showed no tear in the tendon so it might be inflammation of the sheath, we are just not quite sure," said New Zealand's convener of selectors Glenn Turner.

Mills has been replaced by Ewen Thompson, the Central Districts left-arm fast bowler, who made his debut in a Twenty20 against West Indies in December. "He will give the side additional strength as a specialist new ball and swing bowler," said Turner.

Oram, who missed the Australia tour owing to a calf strain, has been included but will play only as a batsman. Jesse Ryder, the hard hitting left-hander, had his tour of Australia cut short after the rotator cuff injury that flared up in training earlier did not respond sufficiently to treatment. He has replaced Peter Fulton and Taylor's return, after missing the SCG clash due to a leg injury, strengthens the batting. The Otago pair of Nathan McCullum and Ian Butler have been retained after solid debuts in Sydney.

The Twenty20s will be played in Christchurch and Wellington on February 25 and 27.

New Zealand Twenty20 squad: Daniel Vettori (capt), Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum (wk), Nathan McCullum, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Ewen Thompson.