New Zealand call Michael Mason to cover for Bond, Franklin

Christchurch, Apr 21 (UNI) New Zealand have called in Michael Mason to cover for their injured pace attack of Shane Bond and James Franklin in the second of the three-Test series against South Africa starting April 27 in Cape Town.

Mason, who has appeared in three of the five One-Day Internationals against West Indies last month, has left to link up with the Black Caps.

The 31-year-old has only one Test cap to his credit, which he wore against the Proteas in 2004, and will act as cover for the squad's existing pace attack.

The spearhead of the attack, Shane Bond missed the first Test defeat in Centurion through knee injury, and James Franklin has a slight knee strain.

Mason, who was also recuperating from an ankle injury, has overcome his problem, which kept him out of contention for selection to the original tour party.

The Kiwis are 1-0 behind in the series after losing the first Test in Centurion.

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