Cricket: Southee, Rutherford called into Black Caps

Herald online

17 Feb, 2013 09:00 PMQuick Read

New Zealand cricket teams have always prided themselves on their fighting qualities. At times their has been a shortage of true class in their teams. But grit and resolve have been on hand to make New Zealand's reputation as a unit who will make opponents work for their success. That was one of the most pleasing parts of New Zealand's three-wicket win over England at Hamilton's Seddon Park last night, for captain Brendon McCullum.

Northern Knights bowler Tim Southee and Otago Volts batsman Hamish Rutherford have been called into the Black Caps for Wednesday's second ANZ One Day International at Napier's McLean Park.

The pair have been called in for the match due to injuries to bowler Mitchell McClenaghan and opening batsman Martin Guptill.

Guptill ahad earlier pulled up with a hmstring strain which saw him retire hurt before coming back to score the winning runs, while McClenaghan suffered a side strain after taking four for 56 in his bowling stint.

New Zealand physiotherapist Paul Close said McClenaghan would have an MRI today which would determine the extent of his injury.

"Unfortunately Mitchell will miss the rest of the one day series while Martin will be out for Wednesday night and we will assess him again today."

Rutherford returns to the squad after an impressive Black Caps debut in last week's Twenty20 series, while the experienced Southee has just returned to cricket after recovering from ligament damage to his left thumb.

- nzherald.co.nz