Black Caps call up Gillespie, Milne ruled out

CHRIS HILLOCK/Fairfax NZ

WELCOME RETURN: Pace bowler Mark Gillespie has been recalled to the New Zealand T20 team for the tour of South Africa.

FAIRFAX NZ

BAD BLOW: Adam Milne has been ruled out of the South Africa tour with an Achilles tendon injury.

Relevant offers

Cricket

Maiden century on home turf for Root McClenaghan the Black Caps' secret weapon Chennai official arrested in spot-fixing scandal Rain washes out opening day of second test Gym-bound Jesse Ryder keeping head down Vettori not sure how long body can hold up New meaning to player power at Northern Knights Four quick bowlers a big risk for Black Caps Back to the future for wicketkeeping McCullum Indian police to question Chennai IPL boss

Mark Gillespie has been summoned to South Africa with the New Zealand Twenty20 team after fellow paceman Adam Milne was ruled out.

Milne suffered an Achilles tendon injury while completing warmup exercises on Monday, thereby ruling him out of Central Districts' four-day match against Wellington.

The New Zealand Cricket medical team said although it is not considered serious at this stage they did not want to risk further injury so made the decision for Milne to remain in New Zealand.

Despite not being required for Wellington's last two T20 matches, Gillespie was rewarded for his good recent form in first-class cricket and will face a team he excelled against during the home series in March.

Gillespie's last international was the third test against South Africa in Wellington in March. He then suffered a serious ankle sprain which ruled him out of contention for New Zealand's winter tours.

He was also controversially left off NZC's 20-strong list of centrally-contracted players.

National selection manager, Kim Littlejohn said, ""It is disappointing for Adam to suffer an injury however it does present a great opportunity for Mark.

"Mark has an impressive record in South Africa and the conditions will suit his aggressive style of pace bowling."

The New Zealand squad leave in two groups today and tomorrow. Their tour opener is against an invitation 11 on December 18.

- © Fairfax NZ News