Taylor on standby for Styris

It seems increasingly unlikely that Scott Styris will be fit in time for the Champions Trophy next month. The New Zealand all-rounder attempted to make a return last week from an injury break as a specialist batsman for Middlesex but was forced to retire hurt with back spasms.

He has been asked to return home to give selectors a clearer idea of his fitness and the prospects of him playing in New Zealand’s first match of the tournament, against South Africa on October 16th.

Central Districts batsman Ross Taylor, who many considered to be very unlucky to miss out on selection in the original squad, has been put on standby and at this stage seems likely to be on the plane when the team leaves on October 7th.