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ST JOHNS, Antigua - Daryl Tuffey's forgettable return to international cricket reached its zenith today when the fast bowler was invalided out of the World Cup after suffering another biceps injury against Canada yesterday.
Tuffey, who returned from a two-season exile in last month's Chappell-Hadlee series with Australia, broke down after bowling six overs against the group C minnows in St Lucia.
"We know he can't take any further part in the tournament and we will be looking to replace him once we get confirmation from the International Cricket Council (ICC)," said New Zealand manager Lindsay Crocker, as the team prepared to fly to Antigua - their first stop in the Super Eights phase of the campaign.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) intend to replace Tuffey with Auckland right armer Chris Martin.
He is preparing to join the team in Antigua on Sunday (Monday NZT) though the personnel change is still subject to approval from the ICC's medical panel, a process that should be a formality.
Tuffey has had his right arm operated on in the past - after a problem unrelated to his latest setback saw him drop out of the international frame following the Chappell-Hadlee series in late 2005.
"It's the same arm but a slightly different injury," Crocker said.
Considered unlucky not to make the original touring party for the West Indies, Martin has continued training as one of 15 players on stand-by but has not had a game since Auckland's involvement in the State Championship ended earlier this month.
Martin has largely been regarded as a test specialist since his debut at Bloemfontein in South during the 2000-01 season though he made his one day debut the previous summer against Zimbabwe in Taupo.
He made seven appearances in the 2000-01 limited overs calendar - all on home soil - before dropping out of one-day contention until a brief recall against Australia and Sri Lanka in 2005-06.
Martin has taken 11 wickets in nine matches at 36.09.
Should his addition to the squad be confirmed, it is unlikely he will be required for New Zealand's first game in the Super Eights against the West Indies here on Thursday (1.30pm Friday NZT).
Shane Bond and James Franklin, rested from a predictable 114-run victory over Canada, will be automatic selections to face the tournament hosts at the new Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Tuffey's first appearance of the tournament ended in frustrating circumstances when he trudged off Beausejour Stadium after a wayward spell which conceded 40 runs - including 14 off his first over.
Compounding his wretched debut at what was his second World Cup Tuffey also had Central Districts' opener - and part-time Canadian - Geoff Barnett dropped by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum in his penultimate over.
His retreat ended a troubled return for the 80-match veteran, who was hoping to justify his selection after returning unflattering figures of one for 177 from three matches against the Australians.
Meanwhile, Martin may not be the only reinforcement needed as Mark Gillespie will need to prove his ability to play at training here on Sunday or risk joining Tuffey on the long flight home.
Gillespie has been relegated to rehab and a new course of anti-inflammatories after specialists in St Lucia sought to aid his recovery from the lingering effects of brachial neuritis - a viral infection that has affected the nerves in his right shoulder.
He has bowled in the nets and batted without serious discomfort but throwing had proved a problem for the Wellingtonian who headed for the Caribbean in a buoyant frame of mind in February as an incumbent member of the pace attack.
Gillespie made his debut in the home series against Sri Lanka in December and is viewed a "death" bowling option in the Caribbean.
"The shoulder's gone from numb to being painful," Gillespie said.
"I'm still not sure what I'm dealing with, I just want to play some cricket."
Ross Taylor, who missed the Canada game after straining his right hamstring against Kenya on Tuesday, could also be touch-and-go for the West Indies match though Peter Fulton looms as a capable replacement if he is not passed fit.
- NZPA
