Wellington fast-medium bowler Andrew Penn has headed off the challenge of the youthful all-rounder Tama Canning for a place in the CLEAR Black Caps team to play the first two One Day Internationals against Sri Lanka starting in Napier next week.

Penn was named to travel to South Africa as a replacement for New Zealand during the recent tour. However, he injured himself in a Wellington club match and had to pull out.

He has played four ODIs, the last being against the West Indies in New Zealand last summer.

Canning was the subject of a successful application by New Zealand to the International Cricket Council for a clearance to play, having lived much of his life in Australia. He was shaping as an inclusion in the New Zealand team for the Zimbabwe series, but was ruled out when he was ineligible.

Word was received last week of his dispensation. However, while not selected, he and fellow Aucklander Lou Vincent have been invited to prepare with the New Zealand team in Napier. They have also been included in the Selection XI to play Sri Lanka in New Plymouth on Sunday.

The other feature of the New Zealand selection is the return of left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori after his recovery from a stress fracture in his back. His and Penn's places have come at the expense of off spinner Paul Wiseman and leg spinner Brooke Walker.

The team for the first two games is: Stephen Fleming (captain-Wellington), Nathan Astle (Canterbury), Mathew Sinclair (Central Districts), Roger Twose (Wellington), Craig McMillan (Canterbury), Jacob Oram (Central Districts), Chris Harris (Canterbury), Adam Parore (Auckland), Daniel Vettori (Northern Districts), James Franklin (Wellington), Andrew Penn (Wellington), Chris Martin (Canterbury).

The selection panel has included Vettori after assurances from the player and the medical panel that he is now fully fit and keen to play.

Chairman of selectors, Sir Richard Hadlee said: "Daniel Vettori has assured the selection panel that he is 100% fit, ready and very keen to play in this National Bank Series. The New Zealand Cricket medical panel is also confident that Daniel is ready to return to international cricket."

Of Penn's selection, Hadlee said: "Andrew Penn is a penetrative bowler with an ability to take wickets. He has performed with merit in the Shell Cup taking 15 wickets at 15.66. In making this selection the panel has opted for an additional strike bowler, at the expense of a second spin bowler."

Jacob Oram retains his place in the side after his selection for the CLEAR Black Caps final two One Day Internationals against Zimbabwe in the first National Bank Series of the summer. Oram has shown form with the ball in the two Shell Cup matches he has since played. Against Auckland he claimed 3-13 and against Otago 2-19. Oram is selected as an all-rounder.

The CLEAR Black Caps squad will assemble in Napier this weekend. The early assembly is an initiative of coach, David Trist.

"Given the number of new personnel and a new opposition it seemed sensible to take advantage of the extra time available. The selection panel has also invited Tama Canning and Lou Vincent to join the squad for the preparation phase. They will be involved in the nets practices and experience the team environment providing a useful addition to their international experience," Sir Richard said.

Meanwhile the selection panel has also named a Selection XI to play a one day game against Sri Lanka in a warm-up to The National Bank Series. The match will be played at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth on Sunday with play starting at 12 noon.

The Selection XI is: Dion Nash (captain-Auckland), Chris Nevin (Wellington), James Marshall (Northern Districts), Lou Vincent (Auckland), Hamish Marshall (Northern Districts), Tama Canning (Auckland), Brooke Walker (Auckland), Andre Adams (Auckland), Daryl Tuffey (Northern Districts), Simon Doull (Northern Districts).

"A number of the Selection XI players are in the frame for selection in the CLEAR Black Caps and they have a rare opportunity to demonstrate their credentials under international conditions to the selection panel.

"The selection panel is pleased to witness the return of Dion Nash to top flight cricket, and he is selected as a specialist batsman and captain. Similarly the panel is pleased to note the return of Simon Doull after his battle with injury," Hadlee said.

© CricInfo