Wellington, Aug 19: Middle order batsman Craig Mcmillan has been recalled to the New Zealand Test and one-day teams to tour India and Pakistan beginning in September, New Zealand cricket announced today. Strike bowler Shane Bond, who is recovering from a back injury, will miss the tour. All rounder Chris Cairns, whose wife is expecting their second child, will not play in the Test matches but is on the limited-overs team.

Also returning to the team after an injury-enforced absence is batsman Nathan Astle. Bowler Michael Mason will take Bond's place in the Test team. Mcmillan, who had a poor run of form late last year and during the World Cup, had been dropped for the tour of Sri Lanka in April.

He was recalled because of his experience and because the selectors were confident he would recapture his best form, selection manager Sir Richard Hadlee said.

"Craig is very keen to re-establish himself in the team as a senior player and to contribute again," Hadlee said today. "His experience will be vital in India." The Test squad leaves for Brisbane, Australia for an eight-day training camp on September 10, but will return to New Zealand before leaving for India on September 21.

The Test-match section of the tour will run from September 23 to October 20 and will include two first-class matches followed by two Tests against India.

Bureau Report