Aaron Redmond will be hoping his latest call-up to the New
Zealand team goes as well as his most recent international
appearance.
For a second consecutive tournament, Otago opening batsman
Redmond has been called into the Black Caps as a replacement
for the injured Jesse Ryder.
Ryder was forced out of the Champions Trophy yesterday by a
groin injury sustained during the 38-run win over Sri Lanka
at the Wanderers.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said Ryder had aggravated
an old injury.
"He's had it for a long time, this injury.
It repaired itself but he did it all over again today,"
Vettori said.
"It's very sad for him and I don't think it is a good
prognosis."
Redmond, the 30-year-old right-hander, has played seven tests
and three twenty/20 internationals for New Zealand, but has
never before represented his country in an ODI.
In June, Redmond was called into the world twenty/20
tournament - also as a replacement for Ryder - and promptly
smashed 63 from 30 balls against Ireland.
A similar performance would be welcomed by the Black Caps,
who need to beat England tonight to be assured of a place in
the Champions Trophy semifinals.
Redmond flew to South Africa yesterday from Brisbane, where
he has been training with the Otago Volts before they head to
India for the inaugural Champions League twenty/20
tournament.
Otago coach Mike Hesson said he was delighted for Redmond,
and his international selection would not be disruptive for
the Volts.
"As long as he's playing over there, he'll be playing a good
standard of cricket and that will help his preparation,"
Hesson said from Brisbane.
"He was disappointed he didn't get picked in the first place.
"I think his recent performances suggested he was unlucky."
Redmond will become the fourth Otago player in the Black
Caps, joining Ian Butler and brothers Brendon and Nathan
McCullum.
Even if the Black Caps made the Champions Trophy final, the
Otago players would get to India about the same time as the
rest of the Volts, Hesson said.
Otago plays the Queensland Academy today in the first of
three warm-up twenty/20 fixtures.
Hesson already has an injury worry, with fast bowler James
McMillan sidelined by a hamstring strain.
Sam Wells has been called in as cover.
"James has made good progress but we should know more about
his immediate future in the next 24 hours," Hesson said.
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