Franklin takes Mills' place in New Zealand team in Australia

Wellington left-armer James Franklin will join the New Zealand team in Brisbane today to take Kyle Mills' place in the CLEAR Black Caps for the VB Series.

Franklin, who had a fine first season of international cricket last year in the midst of a serious New Zealand bowling injury crisis, has had to take a back seat this summer as more experienced players returned from injury and were preferred in selection.

However, he is the leading wicket-taker in the domestic one-day competition for Wellington and has been bowling impressively for the State Shield front runners.

Franklin will also offer a left-armer's pace option for New Zealand as it lines up against Australia and South Africa in what is shaping as a keenly fought series.

Mills was forced out of the side after suffering a side strain in Auckland's win over Otago at Alexandra on Saturday.

Mills flew down to Christchurch yesterday for a medical assessment with New Zealand Cricket's medical advisor Warren Frost. He was then reassessed this morning.

"Unfortunately for Kyle he is not able to bowl at anything like 100%.

"He really needs rest for at least a week, possibly two, and he would then have to prove his fitness in a game situation.

"The team's schedule, starting tomorrow with a game against Australia A, would not permit that."

The chairman of selectors, Sir Richard Hadlee said it was disappointing for Mills.

"Kyle has had very good success for New Zealand at the one-day level and we were looking for more of the same from him in Australia.

"Unfortunately, this untimely injury has taken that chance away from him."

Hadlee went onto say that the form of Franklin had been very encouraging and that he thoroughly deserved his chance.

"James Franklin is a young player we introduced to international cricket last year against Zimbabwe.

"After a fairly slow start to this season he has rediscovered the type of form we know he's capable of.

"In the State Shield he is the top bowler with eight wickets at an average of 9.87 and an economy rate of 3.29.

"He has also started to bowl with more pace and is getting the ball to move sideways," he said.

Depending on flight availability, Franklin will fly out from Christchurch this afternoon to join the side in Brisbane.