WELLINGTON, Nov 23: All-rounder Chris Cairns has been recalled to the New Zealand one-day squad for the three-match series against Australia next month, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Wednesday.

Cairns returns after fitness concerns kept him out of side for their one-day series in South Africa, which the Black Caps lost 4-0, although one match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Coach John Bracewell added that captain Stephen Fleming, however, could be ruled out of the first match for an undisclosed medical condition.

Left-arm spinner and vice-captain Daniel Vettori would lead the side in Fleming’s absence, Bracewell said.

If Fleming is considered fit enough to play then one of the players in the squad would be released to compete in domestic cricket.

Bracewell added that all-rounder Jacob Oram had undergone fitness tests on his back and would be available for the matches.

The three one-day matches are in Auckland on Dec 3, Wellington on Dec 7 and Christchurch on Dec 10.

New Zealand then play Sri Lanka in five one-day matches in January.

Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Daniel Vettori (vice-captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Chris Cairns, James Franklin, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Scott Styris, Lou Vincent.—Reuters