Patel to cover for Vettori

Jeetan Patel, the New Zealand offspinner, has been called up to the ODI squad as cover for the captain Daniel Vettori, who is expecting the birth of his child.

The New Zealand team manager Dave Currie said Vettori, the solitary spinner in the squad, and his wife Mary were anticipating the possibility of minor complications related to the birth of their child, expected shortly. "In case Daniel is called away at short notice Jeetan has come in on standby," he said. "He will remain with the squad through the ODI series or until required."

Patel was a member of the New Zealand A squad, playing against the visiting England Lions. His place has been taken by Bruce Martin, the left-arm spinner from Northern Districts. Patel last represented New Zealand earlier this year, in the five-ODI series against Australia. He managed just one wicket in three ODIs, conceding 110 runs.