7 Mar 2009

Patel joins squad on standby for Vettori

7:20 am on 7 March 2009

The Wellington spinner Jetan Patel has been called into the New Zealand cricket squad as possible cover for Daniel Vettori.

The captain's wife Mary anticipates minor complications associated with the birth of their first baby, who's due shortly, and Patel's on standby in case Vettori is called away at short notice.

He'll stay with the squad through the rest of the one day International series or until required.

His place in the New Zealand A squad for the second match against the England Lions has been taken by Bruce Martin of Northern Districts, that match starting tomorrow at Lincoln.