Michael Bates has been called into the Black Caps' Twenty20
squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, replacing Mark
Gillespie who himself was named as a replacement yesterday.
Gillespie, who was originally named as a replacement for Adam
Milne, had to leave the field during yesterday's Plunket
Shield match between the Wellington Firebirds and Central
Stags after suffering a side strain.
A clinical assessment and ultra-sound confirmed Gillespie
sustained a small strain in one of his abdominal muscles and
will not be available for the upcoming Twenty20 series.
National Selection Manager, Kim Littlejohn said, "With the
injuries to Adam Milne and Mark Gillespie we have taken the
opportunity to add another bowler to the squad in Michael
Bates.
"Michael is a promising bowler who performed well for
Auckland last season and his recent experience during the
Champions League in South Africa will be useful."
Bates has made three T20 appearances for New Zealand, all at
the start of the year. He took 3-31 on debut against
Zimbabwe.
He will join the squad in South Africa on Friday.
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