Cricket: Cautious optimism on Elliott injury

New Zealand cricket management were cautiously optimistic today that allrounder Grant Elliott would be able to play in Sunday's Champions Trophy semifinal against Pakistan.

Elliott played a pivotal role in the Black Caps' four-wicket win over England in Johannesburg yesterday (NZT), but picked up a hand injury along the way when he was hit on the right thumb while batting as New Zealand chased 147 on a pitch with uneven bounce.

Although he only made three with the bat, Elliott got over a shaky start to grab career-best figures of four for 31 with his medium pacers as New Zealand bettered England's 146 all out with four wickets and almost 23 overs to spare.

New Zealand manager Dave Currie said this morning that there was a good chance South African-born Elliott would be able to play in the semifinal, but a final decision wouldn't be made until tomorrow.

"He has done some damage to the thumb, he's having a fitness test tomorrow morning and we're hopeful that he'll get through it and play," Currie said.

"There's some swelling and a bit of pain, but he's tough and very keen to play."

The Black Caps have had a horrendous run with injury, beginning when allrounder Jacob Oram returned home without playing a match after straining a hamstring at training.

Opening batsman Jesse Ryder sustained a groin injury during his innings of 74 in New Zealand's 38-run win over Sri Lanka on Sunday, and a broken hand sustain in training on Tuesday ruled fast bowler Daryl Tuffey of further play.

Wellington pace bowler Iain O'Brien has been called into the team overnight to replace Tuffey, and is expected to arrive in Johannesburg later today (NZT).

"We've had a bit of a run with injury, but touch wood, everybody else is fit and well," Currie said. "The guys are in good spirits and despite the setback of losing players, there's resolve and in some ways it's hardened that resolve.

"There's a positive mood in the camp, but now we've got to convert that to performance."

- NZPA