Cricket: Black Caps call up Redmond

Aaron Redmond has been called into the Black Caps as cover for Jesse Ryder. Photo / Getty Images

Otago batsman Aaron Redmond will join the national cricket team at the World Twenty20 cricket championship in England as cover for the injured Jesse Ryder.

Opening bat Ryder has remained under observation in hospital in London this morning (NZtime), while the team travelled to Nottingham ahead of tomorrow's Super Eight game against Ireland.

A decision on Ryder's continued participation in the tournament was likely to be made in the next 24 hours, team manager Dave Currie said.

Currie said the diagnosis of Ryder's groin injury was still unclear, but it seemed likely that he had an infection.

"He has been in considerable discomfort, and medical advice is that he would certainly not be able to play in tomorrow's game," Currie said.

"In the meantime Aaron joins the squad as a precautionary measure. However, any replacement will have to be approved by the ICC."

Redmond has been playing cricket in England and will join the squad immediately.

He has previously played seven tests for New Zealand and was a leading performer in the latest domestic Twenty20 competition, finishing top run scorer including an innings of 100 not out from 58 balls.

New Zealand are not expected to name their playing line-up for the Ireland game until just before the match.

Currie said Ross Taylor will be rested from tomorrow's game to recover from a hamstring twinge he suffered during yesterday's one-run defeat to South Africa, while a decision will be made on Daniel Vettori in the morning.

All other players are expected to be available for selection.

Vettori is yet to play after injuring his left shoulder in a training mishap before Saturday's win over Scotland.

- NZPA