Franklin to replace injured Bennett: coach

All-rounder James Franklin has been called up to replace injured paceman Hamish Bennett for New Zealand's remaining two Tests against India, coach Mark Greatbatch said Tuesday.

Bennett, who injured his groin while bowling on the first day of his maiden Test in Ahmedabad, will return to New Zealand for further tests and rehabilitation.

"It is an unfortunate injury for Hamish," Greatbatch said. "He will miss the remainder of the Test series against India. However, it does create another opportunity for James Franklin to come back into the Black Caps squad.

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

New Zealand A won two of the three unofficial Tests they played against Zimbabwe, with Franklin making 180 runs at an average of 60 and taking 10 wickets at an average of 17.2.

Franklin played his last Test, also against India, in Wellington in April, 2009.

Over 26 Tests, he has made 644 runs at an average of 21.46, and taken 80 wickets at 32.65, with a best of 6 for 119.

New Zealand, who drew the Ahmedabad Test on Monday, were also sweating over the fitness of key player Jesse Ryder who injured his calf while scoring 103 in the first innings.

Ryder did not bowl during India's second innings.

The second Test starts in Hyderabad on Friday with the third in Nagpur from Nov 20-24.

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