New Zealand call up Mathieson as cover

New Zealand have called up Andrew Mathieson, the Central Districts seamer, as cover for their limited-overs squad. They have recently lost Trent Boult and Corey Anderson to injury and were already without Adam Milne from their first choice World Cup seam attack.

Mathieson, a former New Zealand U19 player, was the leading wicket-taker in the 2014-15 Ford Trophy - New Zealand's domestic 50-over competition - and has been in the UK playing club cricket as Sidmouth's overseas player. Mathieson claimed 31 wickets in the Ford Trophy, with Michael Bates the next highest wicket-taker with 19.

While 25-year-old Mathieson bowled in the nets the days before the fourth ODI and could play a part as a substitute fielder, he is not expected to feature in the final ODI or the T20I that follows. He would not, in normal circumstances, be considered "next in line" for selection and his call-up may well owe something to the fact that he is already in England and that there is very little cricket remaining on New Zealand's tour.

Coincidentally, Sidmouth are scheduled to take-on North Devon in the Devon Premier League on Saturday. Craig Overton had been expected to play for North Devon but now he, and Mathieson, are unexpectedly unavailable on international duty.