Vincent to join NZ squad

Lou Vincent has recovered from injury and will join the New Zealand team when they move on to Pakistan after the Sharjah triangular tournament, New Zealand Cricket announced on Tuesday.

The batsman sustained a bruised lung and ruptured his left airway after being struck in the chest by England's Andy Caddick in the third test between the countries two weeks ago.

"It was always our stated intention to have Lou join the squad as soon as he was fit," said chairman of selectors Richard Hadlee.

Travelling with Vincent to join the squad will be wicketkeeper Robbie Hart, the retired Adam Parore's replacement in the Test team.

One-day wicketkeeper Chris Nevin injured a hamstring in Sharjah and Hart will now be available for the three one-day matches as well as the two Tests in Pakistan.

"Nevin's injury has meant Robbie Hart, who was to join the squad for Test series, will now get to Pakistan earlier and become a wicketkeeping option for the one dayers," Hadlee added.

Batsman Mathew Sinclair has taken over the gloves at Sharjah, where Pakistan and the Kiwis squared off on Monday night.

The first match of New Zealand's delayed tour of Pakistan is on April 21 in Karachi.

New Zealand were en route to Pakistan when the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States forced them to return home. The first Test begins on May 1 in Lahore.

Mail Cricket Editor