James Franklin Called Up To Replace Injured Bennett

James Franklin Called Up To Replace Injured Bennett

James Franklin will join up with the New Zealand squad ahead of the second Test in Kanpur

©REUTERS/Nikhil Monterio (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

All-rounder James Franklin has been called up to replace injured pace bowler Hamish Bennett ahead of New Zealand's second Test against India in Kanpur, which begins on 12th November.

Bennett suffered a groin injury while bowling during the opening day of the first Test in Ahmedabad, which ended up as a draw, and he will return to New Zealand.

“It’s an unfortunate injury for Hamish, which will see him miss the remainder of the Test series against India," selector Mark Greatbatch said.

"However, it does create another opportunity for James Franklin to come back into the BLACKCAPS squad. Franklin showed good form with bat and ball in Zimbabwe where he successfully led New Zealand A to a series win. 

“In view of the injury to Hamish and some concerns about Jesse’s ability to bowl in the next match the selectors made the decision to go with an all-rounder.”

Franklin, who has played 26 Tests, taking 80 wickets, is scheduled to arrive in Hyderabad on Wednesday 10th November.

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