New Zealand cricket has welcomed back the country's "best spin bowler" in Daniel Vettori and lamented the loss of "match winner" Chris Cairns through injury.

Announcing the New Zealand team to play Sri Lanka in the first two one-day internationals, chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee sais in Christchurch yesterday the selection panel was "obviously delighted" to have Vettori back in the picture.

Hadlee said Vettori had assured selectors he was "100% fit" and keen to play.

He acknowledged there had been conflicting reports about Vettori's fitness but the Black Caps medical panel had cleared him and was happy with his progress and rehabilitation after an absensce of four months.

Vettori was invalidated out of the African winter tour with a stress fracture to his back after the first test against Zimbabwe.

"We're pleased that he's been able to come back to Shell Cup cricket after playing some games in the second 11 competition for Northern Districts," Hadlee said.

Vettori had shown in 45 overs that he could get wickets, his economy rate was okay, his bowling average was all right and he had hit 75 in one innings.

"It makes sense to introduce out best spin bowler back into international cricket when we need him," Hadlee said.

"We're satisfied that it's been his call and that's he's conveyed that he's willing to do it and we can monitor his progress as well."

Hadlee said Vettori would bowl 10 overs in each of the two matches and his progess would then be reassessed.

"So it was a fairly easy decision once he declared his availability," he said.