Cricket: Astle gets the chop, Fleming back 

Stephen Fleming returns after the birth of his child.

Nathan Astle has been dumped by the Black Caps despite his match-winning 90 in yesterday's five wicket win against Sri Lanka.

Rookies Peter Fulton and Jamie How are retained in the squad for the final two one-dayers of the series.

New father Stephen Fleming also returns to lead the side, taking over from Daniel Vettori.

Wellington spinner Jeetan Patel has also been added to build on his experience looking forward to the 2007 World Cup.

Kyle Mills' groin injury will be assessed today to see if he is fit to continue, otherwise his place will be taken by James Franklin.

Coach John Bracewell said he was pleased with how Astle played yesterday, but that one top order batsman had to make way for Fleming.

"We believe continuing to play Jamie How and Peter Fulton is the right option for us at this time. Nathan will return to domestic cricket to continue to build on yesterday's performance," he said.

Hamish Marshall was retained in the squad despite a recent run of low scores. He was unlucky to be judged out in an LBW decision for 12 runs yesterday.

Squad:
Stephen Fleming (captain), Daniel Vettori (vice captain), Shane Bond, Chris Cairns, Peter Fulton, Jamie How, Hamish Marshall, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris, Lou Vincent.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA