Kiwis call up Sinclair

Batsman replaces injured opener Craig Cumming

By Phil Jackson   Last updated: 19th November 2007

mathew sinclair New Zealand 06

Sinclair: Back for the Black Caps

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Mathew Sinclair has been drafted into the New Zealand squad for their one-day series against South Africa.

The right-hand batsman comes in to the squad in place of opener Craig Cumming, who was hit by a Dale Steyn bouncer during the innings and 59-run defeat at Centurion.

Cumming has suffered fractures to his cheekbone and jaw, but Sinclair has been in strong form domestically - scoring 243 not out for Central Districts in first-class cricket in November.

New Zealand selector Sir Richard Hadlee believes Sinclair has earned the right to add to his 45 one-day international appearances so far.

"Sinclair deserves the selection based on his early season form," Hadlee said.

"It is not a time to experiment with new players and Sinclair will add experience to the squad."

Sinclair will join up with the squad on Wednesday ahead of the Twenty20 international against the Proteas on Friday, and the three-match one-day series which follows.