'Injured' Guptill out of first three matches against Proteas

Wellington [New Zealand], Feb. 15 (ANI): New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the first three matches against South Africa, which include one T20 and first two ODIs, due to a hamstring issue. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said that Guptill had a scan on Tuesday which revealed a right hamstring strain. The injury occurred while training for the upcoming series and is a separate injury to the left hamstring issue he previously suffered. Glenn Phillips will replace him in the one-off T20 to be played at Eden Park on Friday, while Dean Brownlie will replace him in the first two ODIs. NZC chief selector Gavin Larsen said Phillips earned his selection on the strength of his domestic form. "Glenn was outstanding for Auckland at the top of the order in the Super Smash and proved an extremely exciting player," Larsen was quoted as saying in a media release from NZC. "He bats with power; has shown he can clear the rope, and gets a deserved opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage." "Glenn will play as a specialist batsman only, with Luke still taking the gloves. Playing in his home city, it will certainly be a big occasion for Glenn," he added. Brownlie, on the other hand, featured in the Black Caps' most recent ODI, against Australia, and made 63 to help his side win the Chappell-Hadlee series. (ANI)