Wednesday, September 30, 2009

New Zealand add O'Brien to squad

Iain O'Brien
O'Brien has played only 10 one-day internationals for New Zealand

New Zealand have called up Iain O'Brien into their injury-hit squad ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final.

O'Brien, 33, is yet to be approved by the International Cricket Council, but his inclusion should be a formality as Daryl Tuffey is out with a broken hand.

Jacob Oram and Jesse Ryder are also out of the tournament with hamstring and groin injuries respectively.

Despite their injury problems, New Zealand beat England on Tuesday by four wickets to book their semi-final place.

The victory meant the Black Caps topped Group B and will play the Group A runners-up in the last four.

606: DEBATE
BBC Sport's Peter Scrivener

Pakistan currently top Group A and will play England in the other semi-final if they beat Australia on Wednesday. That result would open the door for India who could still qualify at the expense of Australia if they were to beat West Indies.

However, an Australia win ends India's interest, as they will top the group and play England, while Pakistan will finish as runners-up and play New Zealand.

Seamer O'Brien has only played 10 one-day internationals, the last of which was in an eight-wicket win over India in Auckland in March of this year. He has taken 14 wickets in total at an average of 34.85.

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