Franklin to replace injured Bennett in New Zealand squad

All-rounder James Franklin will replace injured paceman Hamish Bennett in the New Zealand squad for the remaining two tests against India, New Zealand Cricket said in a statement today.

All-rounder James Franklin will replace injured paceman Hamish Bennett in the New Zealand squad for the remaining two tests against India, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a statement on Tuesday.

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Bennett, who made his debut against India in the first test, injured his groin while bowling on the first day.

"It's an unfortunate injury for Hamish, which will see him miss the remainder of the test series against India," New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch said in a statement.

"In view of the injury to Hamish and some concerns about Jesse's (Ryder) ability to bowl in the next match the selectors made the decision to go with an all-rounder.

"Franklin showed good form with bat and ball in Zimbabwe where he successfully led New Zealand A to a series win."

Franklin, who has played 26 tests, will arrive in Hyderabad on Wednesday with the second test starting on Friday.

The third and final test will be played in Nagpur from Nov 20-24.