Finnie to replace injured Rippon against Canterbury

Michael Rippon.
Michael Rippon.
Otago's point of difference will be confined to the sidelines for at least two weeks.

Left-arm leg-spinner Michael Rippon has fractured a bone in his right hand and will miss the Volts opening twenty20 game against Canterbury at Hagley Oval today.

Rippon, who has been replaced in the line-up by all-rounder Josh Finnie, picked up the injury while bowling in a one-day game against Central Districts on Sunday.

''At this stage it looks like [he will be out for] two to three weeks,'' coach Rob Walter said, adding his absence would strip the Volts of some X-factor.

''He offers something different and he has been bowling really well for us this season, so it is a big loss but that is the game.''

Aside from the unusual sight of his Chinaman deliveries, Rippon is more than handy with the bat. He blasted six sixes during a whirlwind innings of 61 in the weekend.

''He played really well and probably caught a few people by surprise, as well. And it is always nice to have that extra bit of batting down in the order.

''But Josh Finnie is back so, in terms of capabilities with the bat, I think we have a good replacement.''

Finnie is returning from a dislocated finger. He has played just one Plunket Shield match for Otago this season and made a pair.

He will bat down the order in a finishing role and will also provide another spin option behind Rob Nicol and Anaru Kitchen.

''Our intention is not to replace the bowling. Josh is there as a finisher in our team.

''It is just handy that he bowls off-spin and can give us some overs if required.''

There is one other change from the side which played Central Districts. All-rounder Jimmy Neesham is a returning from a minor back complaint and replaces Shawn Hicks.

It is a ''tough call'' on Hicks who was instrumental with the bat in a six-wicket win against Wellington. He anchored the chase with a patient 83 not out.

''It was hard to leave a guy like Shawn out but Neesham is a top quality international T20 cricket player. He is a guy you want to have in your team when you write the names on the list, so it is good to have him back.''

The Ben Stokes circus will continue for a little longer after the England all-rounder was named in the Canterbury team. The home team has a potent-looking bowling attack which includes Black Caps Matt Henry and Todd Astle, while Michael Pollard has been in good touch with the bat.

Otago has had the better of Canterbury this season, winning the Plunket Shield encounter and a one-day game earlier this month.

 

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