KEY POINTS:
ST JOHN'S, Antigua - New Zealand's batsmen have suffered more self-inflicted damage from a despondent Shane Bond and this time it is irreparable after opener Lou Vincent's cricket World Cup campaign was today shattered by a broken wrist.
Vincent was cracked on the left arm by Bond early
in the Black Caps first net session since arriving from St Lucia and reeled away in agony before complaining of dizziness and nausea.
Bond, clearly distressed after hospitalising a second teammate since arriving in the Caribbean, cut a dispirited figure at the top of his run-up as Vincent had ice packs applied to his arm and head before he was taken to hospital to have his worst fears confirmed.
"I think he knew the moment he got hit, it's a clean break" New Zealand team manager Lindsay Crocker said.
"It's one of those things. It wasn't a dangerous ball, just an error of judgment. Everyone is disappointed, particularly Bondy."
For the second time in four days New Zealand Cricket will have to seek International Cricket Council (ICC) dispensation to draft in a replacement player.
Hamish Marshall, currently, playing for Northern Districts in the State Championship final, revealed on radio this morning he would be Vincent's replacment.
Marshall said he had been told by Bracewell that he was almost certain to play against the West Indies and would probably bat at three in the order.
"That's the indication they gave me, that with Rosco (Taylor) still out with his hammy, basically I'll go straight into the game," Marshall told Radio Sport.
"There's a scenario I've got to deal with and see how I feel when I get over there but it shouldn't be too bad."
Marshall said he was woken with the news by a phone call from Bracewell at 6.30am today.
"Normally if I don't recognise the number I don't answer it but I thought I'd better answer it.
"It was John Bracewell so it was a nice voice to hear. Obviously good news for me but disappointing for Louie."
Vincent joins Craig McMillan as a target of Bond's 'friendly fire' though his misfortune has far wider ramifications than the burly allrounder's bruised big toe, courtesy of a pinpoint yorker during the lead-up to New Zealand's pivotal six-wicket defeat of England on March 16.
For the second time in four days New Zealand Cricket will have to seek International Cricket Council (ICC) dispensation to draft in a replacement player -- possibly the out-of-favour Hamish Marshall or specialist opener Michael Papps.
The subject of New Zealand's first appeal to the ICC's technical committee, Auckland pace bowler Chris Martin, joined the team yesterday for Daryl Tuffey -- who headed home today for further treatment on a torn biceps sustained during his solitary outing against Canada last Thursday (Fri NZT).
And in an added complication Mark Gillespie's continuing involvement remains in a state of flux after his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury was overshadowed by Vincent's plight.
A decision on whether the Wellington quick, who is yet to play after his bowling arm was attacked by a viral infection before departure, was on hold after he bowled successfully in the nets.
With Martin's arrival New Zealand's seam bowling resources should not be compromised in the short-term regardless of the call on Gillespie -- but the in-form batting unit cannot afford any more training mishaps ahead of a difficult assignment against the West Indies here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Thursday (1.30 Fri NZT).
With Ross Taylor already ruled out of New Zealand's Super Eights opener with a hamstring strain the Black Caps will be forced to take on the buoyant tournament hosts without their specialist opener -- and sharpest inner ring fielder -- plus first choice No 3.
Coach John Bracewell was poring over the opening bat permutations as Vincent was being ferried to hospital with Peter Fulton seemingly the logical candidate to partner Stephen Fleming.
Craig McMillan and Daniel Vettori have also opened at one-day level but in McMillan's case the Black Caps' brain trust will probably be loath to transplant him from his "closing" role in the middle order.
West Indian pitch conditions and the impact of early morning starts have emphasised the importance of making a solid rather than spectacular start to an innings, particularly when batting first so Fulton appears the best equipped for that role.
The loss of Vincent and Taylor also means the Black Caps cannot avoid naming a second spinner or an extra seam bowler in their starting 11, considering they are down to 12 fit players, including the ring rusty Martin.
Vincent's inability to avoid Bond's short, rising delivery is a particularly cruel blow for the right hander, who marked his recovery from consecutive ducks against England and Kenya by taking a confidence-boosting 101 off the Canadian attack.
His deadly accuracy inside the 30-metre circle will also be missed given he effected three runs out via direct hits against the group's minnows.
Vincent was not the only casualty during the net session. Captain Stephen Fleming also needed a compression pack applied to his left shoulder after he was struck while having throw downs. Fortunately he was able to continue training and later returned to have a proper bat.
- NZPA
