New Zealand name tri-series one day squad

WELLINGTON, Jan 3 (Reuters) New Zealand have left a spot open in their one-day squad for the international tri-series against Australia and England, New Zealand Cricket said today.

The 14-man squad is made up of players selected for the current series against touring Sri Lanka.

Coach John Bracewell said the decision to leave a spot open would allow for the return of injured players as well as provide flexibility ahead of naming the squad for the World Cup.

''We did not want them to enter into a race for fitness to make this tour and thereby return too early to the international game, thus affecting our chances in the World Cup,'' Bracewell said in a statement.

''This policy also allows for other players to continue to press their claims for inclusion on the tour.'' The first tri-series match is on Jan. 12 in Melbourne.

The New Zealand squad for the World Cup in March is due to be named mid-February.

New Zealand tri-series squad: Stephen Fleming (capt), Andre Adams, Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Hamish Marshall, Michael Mason, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Jeetan Patel, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori.

REUTERS SAM RK1150