Softball: Pitcher will pull on Black Sox

An injury scare has faded for the New Zealand men's softball team 10 days out from the replay of the world series final.

Pitcher Michael Gaiger injured a hamstring while playing for Auckland club side Ramblers at the Vic Guth Memorial tournament last month. However, he has been cleared to play in the Black Sox side for the five-match test series against Japan starting in Nelson next Thursday.

Gaiger, 30, made his debut for New Zealand in 1999 but missed selection for the 2000 world series. This will be his first international series in New Zealand.