Explosive New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder’s return to form after injury has been rewarded with selection in the Black Caps’ one-day cricket squad.

New Zealand face South Africa in three limited-over matches beginning in Wellington on Saturday.

Ryder suffered a calf injury late last year, but has worked his way back to fitness.

He made his return to domestic cricket in Wellington’s final 50-over match against Otago earlier this month, belting 96 off 67 balls. On Sunday, he smashed 74 from 50 balls in Wellington’s four-day match against Canterbury in Rangiora.

There have been three changes from the one-day squad which played three matches against Zimbabwe earlier this month.

Jacob Oram and Dean Brownlie have been ruled out through injury – Brownlie with a fractured finger and Oram with a troublesome left calf, while young Canterbury up-and-comer Tom Latham has been dropped.

National selection manager Kim Littlejohn says the decision to omit Latham would give him the chance to develop his game further at domestic level.

“We’re pleased with his first stint at international level but, in terms of his overall development, felt it was best for him to return to domestic cricket,” he said.

“He remains in our thinking for the future.”

As well as Ryder, Andy McKay and James Franklin also return to the one-day squad.

“James has been in good touch during the current Twenty20 series while Jesse has been shown that he is ready for a return to top-level cricket,” Littlejohn said.

“Andy McKay bolsters the bowling attack and deserves his spot after putting in consistent performances across the summer.”

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum, Michael Bates, Doug Bracewell, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Nathan McCullum, Andrew McKay, Kyle Mills, Tarun Nethula, Rob Nicol, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson.