Ireland seek overseas cover

Ireland are scouting around for a replacement overseas player after Jesse Ryder's no-show for the Friends Provident match against Surrey. Fellow New Zealander Nathan Astle, who retired from international cricket mid-way through the CB Series, is an option being considered by Phil Simmons.

"He is one of a number of players Phil is looking at," an ICU spokesman told Cricinfo. "The fact he is a top-order batsman and bowls a bit is an advantage and he's currently in the UK playing for Lashings."

The problems surrounding Ryder, a former New Zealand A player, have added to the selection headaches for Simmons. He has been without the players who have county contracts, the Mooney brothers have been unavailable, Andre Botha broke a finger before the ICC Intercontinental Cup final and David Langford-Smith has recently picked up an injury.

Nantie Hayward, their other overseas player, has not had the impact that had been expected and Ireland are currently winless in the Friends Provident Trophy.

Astle, who played for Lancashire last season, would bring valuable experience to the top order. He ended his New Zealand career following the match against England, at Adelaide, in January following a run of four ducks in his last seven innings.