Cricket: Injury forces Guptill out of T20 clash

Explosive strokemaker Martin Guptill will miss today's Twenty20 cricket clash against Canterbury after injuring a hamstring during Auckland's competition-opening loss to Northern Districts.

Guptill needed to bat with a runner during the latter stages of his quick-fire 37 from 22 balls at Mt Maunganui on Saturday before Auckland lost by five runs.

A medical assessment determined Guptill would be unable to back up against Canterbury at Colin Maiden Park. It is hoped he will be available for Auckland's third match at Wellington on Friday.

Guptill has been in impressive form, particularly against Canterbury. In their last meeting in the one-day competition last week he slammed 156 from 137 balls to propel Auckland to a five-wicket win.

"Martin is in great form and he scored an amazing 150 against Canterbury just a few days ago so I am sure they will be delighted that he is not playing," said Auckland coach Paul Strang.

Auckland has named an extended squad of 13 with the recall of both Anaru Kitchen and Bhupinder Singh.

Auckland (from): Gareth Hopkins (captain), Reece Young, Anaru Kitchen, Richard Jones, Ravi Bopara, Scott Styris, Lou Vincent, Colin De Grandhomme, Ronnie Hira, Greg Morgan, Michael Bates, Bhupinder Singh, Daryl Tuffey.

WHAT: HRV T20 series

WHO: Auckland v Canterbury

WHERE: Colin Maiden Park, Glen Innes, Auckland

WHEN: 2pm today

- NZPA