Cricket: NZ wait on Taylor for Christchurch T20

Black Caps cricket captain Daniel Vettori has welcomed back Jacob Oram with open arms ahead of tonight's first Twenty20 international against India in Christchurch.

Oram has not played for New Zealand since the third one-dayer against the West Indies early last month. Vettori says, in his opinion Oram, is the most important player in the team and while Oram is not bowling yet, it feels good just having him around the squad.

Ross Taylor will have to come through a fitness test on his injured hamstring this afternoon to be part of the Black Caps 11 tonight.

*A story in last week's edition of Timeout saying the first Twenty20 between New Zealand and India is being played at Eden Park in Auckland is incorrect. The match is being played at AMI Stadium in Christchurch from 7pm tonight.