‘Axed captain’ Taylor returns to Kiwi squads for T20s, ODIs against England

Ross-TaylorWellington, Feb 1 : Axed New Zealand captain Ross Taylor has been named in the one-day and Twenty20 squads to play England.

Taylor had already been selected in a New Zealand XI to play England in two warm-up games in Whangarei next week, but will now return to a Black Caps team he decided against touring with to South Africa, Stuff. co. nz reports.

Otago opener Hamish Rutherford is the only new cap in the Twenty20 and one-day squads, earning a call-up for the T20 series. Veteran teammate Ian Butler returns to the international fold for the series, as well, the paper reported.

Canterbury all-rounder Andrew Ellis returns to both squads after an injury saw him miss the recent tour to South Africa. Kiwi coach Mike Hesson said it was great to have Ellis and Taylor back in the team alongside youngsters like Rutherford, the paper said.

The first Twenty20 international against England takes place at Eden Park on February 9.

Twenty20 squad: Brendon McCullum (c), Trent Boult, Ian Butler, Grant Elliott, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Roneel Hira, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Colin Munro, Hamish Rutherford, Ross Taylor.

ODI squad: Brendon McCullum (c), Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson. (ANI)