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KEY POINTS:
Chasing small targets should not be an issue this time with big-hitting Jacob Oram and Jesse Ryder returning to the New Zealand side to play India in two Twenty20 internationals.
Daniel Vettori was left mortified after New Zealand failed to chase down Australia's barely serviceable 150. A six off the final ball from Nathan McCullum left Vettori's side one run short and in the embarrassing situation of still having five wickets left.
Ryder's combination at the top of the order with Brendon McCullum has worked well in the past and Oram can clear the fence in the later overs. His return comes with a caveat, however, he is unable to bowl.
Ross Taylor, who injured his hamstring in last week's Twenty20 game against Australia, has been confirmed as fit to play.
Bowler Thompson returns to the squad after making his national debut in the T20 against the West Indies in December. Glenn Turner, head of the selection panel, said Thompson had shown continuing good domestic form for Central Districts, including a four-wicket bag against Northern Districts.
"Ewen comes in for Kyle Mills who is still recovering from injury to his Achilles tendon," said Turner. "He will give the side additional strength as a specialist new ball and swing bowler."
There is no place in the side for Peter Fulton, whose one from eight balls against Australia was unhelpful. Brendon Diamanti, who stayed on in Australia once Mills was ruled out, also misses the cut, as does Wellington allrounder James Franklin.
Black Caps Twenty20 squad
Daniel Vettori (c), 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.
