Black Caps draft in Franklin

Gloucestershire all-rounder James Franklin has been handed a late call-up to New Zealand's ICC Champions Trophy squad.

All-rounder handed late call by New Zealand

Gloucestershire all-rounder James Franklin has been handed a late call-up to New Zealand's ICC Champions Trophy squad in South Africa. The left-arm pace bowler and middle-order batsman will depart for South Africa on Friday evening as the Black Caps look to bounce back from their opening defeat to the host nation. Franklin's inclusion in the squad means he will play no further part in Gloucestershire's LV County Championship match against Kent at the County Ground. The New Zealander will therefore retire on his overnight score of 104 not out. In line with the rules on replacing players before day three, pace bowler Anthony Ireland will come into the Gloucestershire side and be allowed to play a full part in the match.