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Opener battles ankle problem as Flynn replaces Hitchcock

New Zealand wait on injured Ryder

Cricinfo staff

February 16, 2008

	Jesse Ryder's strong start to his international career has been interrupted by an ankle problem © Getty Images

Jesse Ryder, the opening batsman, is in a race to be fit for the fourth ODI against England after injuring his left ankle in Friday's six-wicket loss. Ryder, playing his first international season, hurt his foot while making 23 at Eden Park and a New Zealand spokesman said he would have "extensive physiotherapy" over the next two days in the hope of being ready for Wednesday's crucial match.

The injury is untimely for Ryder, who started the series with 31 and 79 not out as he tries to prove he is a capable performer for his country. New Zealand, who lead the contest 2-1, have made one change to their 13-man squad for the final two matches, with the batsman Daniel Flynn replacing Paul Hitchcock. Hitchcock gave up 56 runs in seven overs in the third game.

Flynn has impressed the selectors with three domestic centuries this season and he has averaged 52 in first-class games and 47 in the one-day competition. The selectors have asked Flynn, Peter Fulton, Scott Styris, Jeetan Patel and Iain O'Brien to turn out for their provinces in the State Shield one-day competition on Sunday.

New Zealand squad Brendon McCullum (wk), Jesse Ryder, Jamie How, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Daniel Flynn, Peter Fulton, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori (capt), Jeetan Patel, Kyle Mills, Chris Martin, Iain O'Brien.

© Cricinfo