Cricket: Franklin, Tuffey out of ODI

New Zealand cricketers James Franklin and Daryl Tuffey have been ruled out of today's third Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day international against Australia while key batsman Ross Taylor will undergo a pre-match fitness test.

A team spokesman said Franklin (hamstring strain) was ruled out today while in another blow, pace bowler Tuffey's name was added to a lengthening New Zealand injury list due to a calf strain.

Both players had restricted movement and while their injuries weren't considered serious, it was enough to rule them out of today's crucial ODI at Seddon Park, with the five-match series level at 1-1.

It means a return to New Zealand colours for Central Districts paceman Michael Mason, 35, who played the last of his 25 ODIs against Scotland in Aberdeen in July 2008.

Taylor (hamstring strain) was yesterday rated a 50-50 chance by captain Daniel Vettori and will need to pass a fitness test just before play to be included.

The spokesman said if Taylor was ruled out, 27-year-old Canterbury batsman Shanan Stewart would make his ODI debut.

Meanwhile Australia suffered some pre-match drama, with vice-captain Michael Clarke quitting the tour for personal reasons last night, meaning a recall for batsman Adam Voges.

Likely teams:- New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum, Peter Ingram, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor/Shanan Stewart, Neil Broom, Scott Styris, Gareth Hopkins, Shane Bond, Tim Southee, Michael Mason.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Cameron White, Michael Hussey, Adam Voges, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, Doug Bollinger/Clint McKay.