Mills replaced by Franklin for VB tri-series

A side strain injury incurred while bowling for the State Auckland Aces against the State Otago Volts on Saturday has ruled right-arm medium pacer Kyle Mills out of the VB Series.

Mills will be replaced by Wellington left-arm seamer James Franklin.

Mills flew down to Christchurch yesterday (Sunday) and underwent a medical assessment with New Zealand Cricket medical advisor Warren Frost. He was then reassessed this morning.

"Unfortunately for Kyle he is not able to bowl at anything like 100%," said Frost.

"He really needs rest for at least a week, possibly two, and he would then have to prove his fitness in a game situation.

"The team's schedule, starting tomorrow with a game against Australia A, would not permit that."

Chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee said it was disappointing for Mills.

"Kyle has had very good success for New Zealand at the one-day level and we were looking for more of the same from him in Australia.

"Unfortunately this untimely injury has taken that chance away from him."

Hadlee went onto say that the form of Franklin had been very encouraging and that he thoroughly deserved his chance.

"James Franklin is a young player we introduced to international cricket last year against Zimbabwe.

"After a fairly slow start to this season he has rediscovered the type of form we know he's capable of.

"In the State Shield he is the top bowler with eight wickets at an average of 9.87 and an economy rate of 3.29.

"He has also started to bowl with more pace and is getting the ball to move sideways," he said.

Depending on flight availability, Franklin will fly out from Christchurch this afternoon to join the side in Brisbane.