Mathew Sinclair has been recalled into the 13 man New Zealand test squad after a two year absence from international cricket. Sinclair is the surprise inclusion at the expense of Otago's Neil Broom for the two test series against Australia, starting in Wellington on Friday.

The prolific domestic batsman admits he has lost count of the number of times he has been in and out of the Black Caps but believes his association with Mark Greatbatch may have had something to do with his recall.

The 34 year old says when Greatbatch coached at Central Districts they had a great understanding and the new coaching regime gave him renewed hope of playing for New Zealand again.

Sinclair is averaging 58 in the domestic Plunket Shield.

He has, in fact, been recalled six times since making his debut in 1999.

Brent Arnel comes in for the injured Andy McKay.