Darryl Tuffey has become the third New Zealand batsman to be ruled out of the Champions Trophy, after he broke his hand in the New Zealand’s second game against Sri Lanka. This means that the Kiwis, who have now entered the semi-finals will need to get reinforcements to the side, which has already been grappling with injury woes.
Earlier, it had been Jacob Oram who had been injured and could not play in the tournament. Getting an all-rounder of Oram’s class was obviously difficult, but James Franklin – who was already in England playing county cricket – was asked to replace Oram.
Just then, as it looked that the things would soon be alright, Jesse Ryder over-stretched while running between the wickets and suffered a groin strain. He continued with his innings against Sri Lanka and smashed a quickfire half century – and a plastic chair after getting out – to lead the Kiwis to a win. However, the groin was a goner, and Ryder too had to be replaced by Aaron Redmond. Redmond arrived in England about six hours before the game against England, and could not play in the game. Instead, Gareth Hopkins took his spot in the side.
Now, it remains to be seen who the replacement for Tuffey would be. Ian Butler, already a part of the side, but someone recovering from a stomach infection did play the previous game, but there will be a back-up needed in the squad as well.