Fleming back for Black Caps

Stephen Fleming © Getty Images

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming will return to the side for the third and final one-day international against Australia this weekend - but Daniel Vettori will retain the captaincy.

In a surprise move, Fleming was welcomed back to the squad after missing the opening two defeats to Australia in Auckland and Wellington, but Vettori will continue to lead the side.

Fleming continued his recuperation from an operation to remove a benign tumour from his jaw by making 62 in Wellington Firebirds’ recent four-day victory over the Canterbury Wizards in Christchurch.

After the game, he joined the Black Caps squad on their arrival in the city.

Fleming said: “It's been difficult at times, but it's very good to be back and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

“I feel pretty stiff through the area that was cut with the scar tissue, but I’m pretty good. The game, the whole four days was very important but it's been geared to getting back for this game and I'm very pleased to be available.”

Fleming insists there is no conflict with Vettori retaining the captaincy while he was playing. Instead the 32-year-old believes the plan fits perfectly with the Black Caps’ long-term goals.

“I think the decision to have Daniel as captain for the next game is fantastic,” he continued.

Daniel Vettori will continue as captain © Getty Images

“The development of Daniel, whether in this series or when we’ve been on tour, is paramount for the succession of this team.

“While I think it’s a little unusual, I think it’s a fantastic move in terms of my reintroduction to international cricket and Dan’s continuity in the series. He's done a great job under pressure and it makes sense that he keeps the captaincy.”

Vettori agreed it will be a novel, but useful, experience for all involved.

“It'll be interesting, it'll be a new experience,” he said, before joking: “I've done it before in warm-up games and he's been terrible so I'll have to keep a bit of an eye on him.

“No, it's very exciting to have him back, just his presence in the room. He's not captain but he'll still have a massive influence on the side and it’s really good to see him back.”

Fleming was the one addition to the Black Caps squad from Wellington, with the 12-man match day team - including super-sub - to be announced nearer the game.

Pace bowler Shane Bond remains sidelined through both illness and injury.

New Zealand squad (from): Daniel Vettori (capt), Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Stephen Fleming, James Franklin, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Scott Styris, Lou Vincent.