Tuffey in for Mills in WC Squad

Daryl Tuffey has been surprisingly included in the Black Caps 15-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in the West Indies after Kyle Mills’ was ruled out with a knee injury.

Tuffey’s inclusion comes two years after Tuffey torn his shoulder tendon. He last played for New Zealand against Australia at Eden Park in February 2005.

It had been expected from many corners that the selectors would take Chris Martin or Andre Adams as a replacement for Mills, but Bracewell said Tuffey’s ability to take the ball away from the right-handed batsmen made him the ideal replacement for the injured Kyle Mills.

“It has been a long journey back for Daryl from such a serious injury, but the selectors have been impressed by his performances and are satisfied that he is ready to once again play international cricket,” Bracewell said.

Tuffey has played 10 State Shield domestic one-day matches for Northern Districts this season and taken six wickets at an average of 69.50 with an economy rate of 4.54.

“What has impressed with the State Northern Knights is his economy rate of 4.54, which is very good for a bowler who opens the innings and also bowls at the death,” Bracewell added.

Tuffey has played a total of 76 one-day internationals and has a bowling average of 29.92.

The squad is minus Peter Fulton and Michael Mason for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee series which starts in Wellington on Friday.

New Zealand Squad
Stephen Fleming (captain), Lou Vincent, Peter Fulton, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Mark Gillespie, Shane Bond, Jeetan Patel, Michael Mason, Darryl Tuffey