Michael Bates has been called into the Black Caps Twenty20 squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, replacing Mark Gillespie who himself was named as a replacement yesterday.
Gillespie, who was originally named as a replacement for Adam Milne, had to leave the field during yesterday's Plunket Shield match between the Wellington Firebirds and Central Stags after suffering a side strain.
A clinical assessment and ultra-sound confirmed Gillespie sustained a small strain in one of his abdominal muscles and will not be available for the upcoming Twenty20 series.
National Selection Manager, Kim Littlejohn said, "With the injuries to Adam Milne and Mark Gillespie we have taken the opportunity to add another bowler to the squad in Michael Bates.
"Michael is a promising bowler who performed well for Auckland last season and his recent experience during the Champions League in South Africa will be useful."
