Christchurch, Feb. 21: New Zealand on Saturday recalled Jacob Oram and Jesse Ryder for the two Twenty20 internationals against India next week, while also naming fast bowler Ewen Thompson in the 13-member cricket squad.

The first match is scheduled for February 25 at the AMI Park here while the second is to be played at Wellington on February 27. Ryder and Oram return to the Black Caps fold after layoffs through injury. However, Oram is expected to play only as a batsman.

If the Black Caps were fretting over Ross Taylor’s fitness, the middle order batsman, who had strained his hamstring during last week’s Twenty20 game against Australia, was declared fit to play against India. Taylor had done commendably well against Australia, winning at least two matches for his side when the chips had been down.

Fast bowler Ewen Thompson, who had made his Twenty20 debut against the West Indies in December, also returns to the squad led by Daniel Vettori. Chairman of selection committee, Glenn Turner said Thompson, currently second in the bowling rankings, had shown continuing good domestic form for Central Stags, including a four-wicket bag against the Northern Knights.

"Ewen comes in for Kyle Mills who is still recovering from injury to his Achilles tendon. He will give the side additional strength as a specialist new ball and swing bowler," Turner said.

India are scheduled to play two T20 games, five one-dayers and three Tests during their 47-day tour of New Zealand where they have not won a Test series in 41 years.

— PTI