ADELAIDE, Australia (Reuters)
New Zealand's squad was strengthened on Thursday by the return from injury of Nathan Astle, while one-day specialist Chris Harris will return on Friday.

The Kiwis, heading the VB Series table with three wins from four games, play South Africa on Saturday and Australia on Sunday in Adelaide.

Astle, who needs just 43 runs to overhaul Martin Crowe as New Zealand's leading scorer in one-day internationals, has recovered from a broken hand, while Harris, New Zealand's most capped one-day international player, has spent the week in Christchurch for family reasons. Harris has been voted man of the match twice already in the series.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said Astle was vital to the side. "He's our best one-day batsman. He was in form before coming over here and offers a lot opening the innings aggressively and also with the ball. He's a fine one-day player and we're delighted to have him back."

Chris Cairns, who scored a match-winning 102 not out in New Zealand's win over South Africa at Brisbane, has been cleared of a minor back injury, and fast bowler Dion Nash is also expected to be available for selection after overcoming a groin strain.

Astle said he was looking forward to getting back to action. "The guys are playing well so it's been hard to be back home," he said. "This is one of the best one-day competitions so I'll try to play a part in the last four games.

"Australia are playing well at the moment but they've got to knock us off the top of the table. If I get a chance I'll be looking to get the guys off to a good start and help us win."

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