Redmond ready to step in

Jesse Ryder remains under observation in a London hospital and may play no further part in the ICC World Twenty20

New Zealand have placed Otago batsman Aaron Redmond on standby for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament as potential cover for Jesse Ryder, who remains under observation in hospital.

A decision on Ryder’s participation in the tournament is likely to be made in the next 24 hours, but the all-rounder appears to be suffering from a significant infection.

Team manager Dave Currie said: “He has been in considerable discomfort, and medical advice is that he would certainly not be able to play in tomorrow’s game.

“In the meantime Aaron joins the squad as a precautionary measure. However, any replacement will have to be approved by the ICC.”

Redmond has been playing cricket in the UK and will join the squad immediately.

The 29-year-old has played seven Tests for New Zealand and was the leading run scorer in his country’s latest domestic Twenty20 competition.