Bond returns against familiar foes

New Zealand go into the testing series against Australia fresh from a comfortable but competitive Test victory over Bangladesh

Veteran fast bowler Shane Bond has been recalled to the New Zealand squad for the upcoming limited-overs games against Australia.

The teams will meet in two Twenty20 matches and a five-match one-day international series between February 26 and March 13.

The 34-year-old Bond has impressed for Canterbury this season and is joined in selection by experienced all-rounder Scott Styris.

Styris and batsman Neil Broom appear in the 13-man party for the Chappell-Hadlee series only, while Gareth Hopkins is included solely in a 12-strong Twenty20 squad.

Coach Mark Greatbatch said: "We're very happy with Shane's progress, he's had a few games for Canterbury in club cricket and he's ready to go.

"He's very excited about playing for New Zealand again in the one-dayers and Twenty20s against Australia and he's always saved his best for them.

"He offers a lot, he's a professional, he's experienced, he bowls quick and he's a real asset to Daniel (Vettori, captain) as far as the bowling's concerned.

"Scotty's had pretty good domestic form, we asked him to go away and try to extend his game and we feel that he's done that and he gets an opportunity in the first two one-dayers."

The Kiwis this morning completed a 121-run Test win over minnows Bangladesh, and coach Mark Greatbatch admits the trans-Tasman series will represent a far tougher challenge.

He continued: There's no doubt about that, Australia are a top side.

"We feel we've got a good blend of experience and youth, we've got a pretty good fielding unit - we're going to have to play at our best to compete against Australia but when you play the Yellows across the ditch it inspires guys to try to achieve a series win against them.

"It's about putting in a performance on the day - probably six or seven guys, in a one-day or Twenty20 game, have to produce match-winning performances, whether it's with bat, ball or in the field."

New Zealand Twenty20 squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Shane Bond, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins (wkt), Peter Ingram, Brendon McCullum (wkt), Nathan McCullum, Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey.

New Zealand ODI squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Shane Bond, Neil Broom, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Peter Ingram, Brendon McCullum (wkt), Nathan McCullum, Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey.