CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 23: Allrounder Jacob Oram has returned to the New Zealand squad after a layoff through injury. He will play as a batsman only though.

New Zealand coach Andy Moles was delighted. "Oram is one of those explosive players who can win games. Any New Zealand team that has Jacob Oram playing has the capacity to win games not only when you are playing well but also when you are behind, you can catch the game up with his immense hitting. He will be bowling very soon too," he said.Batsman Ross Taylor, who injured his hamstring in last week’s Twenty20 game against Australia, has also been confirmed as fit to play as New Zealand Cricket named the squad for the two T20 matches against India, on February 25 and 27. Left-arm fast bowler Ewen Thompson also returned to the squad after making his debut in the T20 against the West Indies in December.

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