Fleming returns for NZ

Stephen Fleming will return to lead the New Zealand team for the fourth One-Day International against Sri Lanka to be played in Auckland on Saturday.

Fleming was rested for the first three matches and Daniel Vettori led the side and hands over a 2-1 advantage for the remaining two games.

As a result of Fleming's inclusion, Nathan Astle has been rested for the Auckland game while James Marshall has been left out with Craig McMillan being called back in, along with Jeetan Patel.

McMillan played in Queenstown when Astle was unavailable due to an injury while Patel was released to play for Wellington in the domestic State Shield competition on Tuesday.

Coach John Bracewell said Marshall was unlucky to miss out.

However, with the continued use of Brendon McCullum as an opener New Zealand needed a player capable of providing a powerful finish to the batting and McMillan has been given that task in Auckland.

The team for the final game, in Hamilton on Tuesday, will be named after Saturday's game.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand team to compete in the tri-series with Australia and England is to be announced on Wednesday afternoon.