New Zealand call up Taylor as cover for Styris

New Zealand have called up batsman Ross Taylor as standby for Scott Styris at the Champions Trophy, a team spokesman said on Friday.

The all-rounder is a doubtful starter for Friday's day-night match against Sri Lanka due to the recurrence of a back problem.

The 31-year-old Styris had missed the opening match against South Africa with a hamstring twinge.

He was declared fit only days before the side's departure to India after recovering from a back injury sustained during his stint with English county side Middlesex.

"Ross is not joining the official tour party. He is on stand-by and will arrive on Sunday," team spokesman Lindsay Crocker said.

New Zealand, winners in 2000, also have injury concerns over strike bowler Shane Bond.

The 31-year-old fast bowler missed the opening match, which New Zealand won by 87 runs, due to a back problem.

Taylor is a 22-year-old hard-hitting batsman from Central Districts, and played two one-dayers against West Indies at home in March.

Source: REUTERS
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