Cricket: Elliott replaces Anderson for ODIs

Grant Elliott leading New Zealand to victory at the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy against Pakistan. Photo / Getty Images

All-rounder Grant Elliott has been called into the Black Caps squad for the upcoming series against South Africa as a replacement for the injured Corey Anderson.

Anderson sustained a fracture to his left thumb when he was struck on the hand while bowling. He will be a cast for the next two weeks and his return to cricket is unclear.

Johannesburg-born Elliott last played for New Zealand in 2010 against India and has made 37 ODI appearances for the Black Caps.

He averages 32.54 with the bat and has scored one century for New Zealand while taking 19 wickets at 24.42.

He last played in South Africa during the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy where he scored a match-winning 75 not out in the semifinals against Pakistan.

However he was dropped from the team 12 months later after failing to reach double figures in six of his last nine international innings.

"Grant comes into the squad with invaluable knowledge and experience of South African conditions," Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said.

The three match ODI series begins on January 19 in Paarl.

New Zealand squad:
Brendon McCullum, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Ronnie Hira, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Rob Nicol, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.

- nzherald.co.nz