New Zealand’s Andrew Ellis will miss the third and deciding Twenty20 cricket match against South Africa on Wednesday, opting to return to Christchurch for the anniversary of the devastating earthquake.

Ellis’ decision to be with family on the first anniversary of the 6.3-magnitude quake has opened the way for Jesse Ryder’s return to the squad for the Auckland decider.

Ryder has been working his way back to form after suffering a calf injury late last year.

He made his return to domestic cricket in Wellington’s final 50-over match against Otago earlier this month, belting 96 off 67 balls.

Ryder’s batting has continued to improve and, on Sunday, he smashed 74 from 50 balls in Wellington’s four-day Plunket Shield match against Canterbury in Rangiora.

National selection manager Kim Littlejohn says Ryder has impressed with his recent form.

“We’re pleased with the progress Jesse has made since returning from injury and, with Andrew not available for the final match, we felt it was a good opportunity to bring him back into the mix.”

The Black Caps won the opening Twenty20 match in Wellington by six wickets in a measured performance.

However, the South Africans rebounded with a crushing eight-wicket win in Hamilton on Sunday, rookie opener Richard Levi thrashing New Zealand’s bowling attack with a record-breaking 117 off 51 balls.

The New Zealand squad for the three one-day internationals against South Africa in Wellington, Napier and Auckland will be named on Monday afternoon.