Otago sign Holder for HRV Cup final

Jason Holder, the West Indies fast bowler, has signed with Otago Volts for the final of the HRV Cup, to be played in Hamilton on Saturday. The Otago Cricket Association (OCA) came to the decision in light of the unavailability of Nathan McCullum, Jimmy Neesham and Jesse Ryder because of international commitments. Ian Butler is also still recovering from injury, prompting Otago's need for reinforcements.

OCA chief executive, Ross Dykes, was pleased with the acquisition, and felt that the experience of the bowler would come in handy. "Jason was keen to be involved," Dykes said. "He has IPL experience and is obviously bowling-fit as a result of the current series [New Zealand v West Indies]."

Holder is already in New Zealand as part of the ongoing limited-overs series, which comes to a close on Wednesday with a Twenty20 in Wellington. He was part of the Chennai Super Kings squad for both the IPL and Champions League T20 last year. He has taken 29 wickets in 35 T20 matches, at an average of 29.13, with an economy rate of 7.33.