Bates called into Black Caps Twenty20 squad

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One day he was in, the next he was out. Mark Gillespie has been ruled out of the Black Caps Twenty20 side to tour South Africa almost as soon as he was called up to replace the injured Adam Milne.

With Milne - who was ruled out with an Achilles tendon injury - and Gillespie now out, Michael Bates has been called in as a replacement.

Gillespie had to leave the field during yesterday's Plunket Shield match between the Wellington Firebirds and Central Stags after suffering a side strain. 

A clinical assessment and ultra-sound confirmed Gillespie sustained a small strain in one of his abdominal muscles and will not be available for the upcoming series.

National selection manager Kim Littlejohn said: "With the injuries to Adam Milne and Mark Gillespie we have taken the opportunity to add another bowler to the squad in Michael Bates.

"Michael is a promising bowler who performed well for Auckland last season and his recent experience during the Champions League in South Africa will be useful."

Bates will join the squad in South Africa on Friday.

- © Fairfax NZ News