James Neesham replaces Corey Anderson in Amazon Warriors squad

Georgetown (Guyana), July 8 (IANS/CMC): All-rounder James Neesham has been called up to replace fellow New Zealander Corey Anderson in the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) starting Friday.

Anderson, one of the game's newest power hitters, was asked to withdraw from the tournament by New Zealand Cricket officials because of injury concerns, a CPL release said, reports CMC.

Neesham, who starred against West Indies in the recent Test series, said he was elated to be suiting up for the CPL.

"I'm very excited to be extending my time in the Caribbean and joining up with the Guyana Amazon Warriors. I loved watching last year's tournament, and this time I can't wait to get involved with it," said Neesham.

"I've really enjoyed my time in the Caribbean and can't wait to experience the famous CPL atmosphere when the tournament begins next week."

Neesham hit a century in the first Test at Sabina Park early last month and followed up with half-centuries in each innings of the decisive Barbados Test, which New Zealand won by 53 runs to clinch the series 2-1.

And though he did not get the chance to fire in the two-match Twenty20 series, Amazon Warriors coach Roger Harper believes the player is the ideal fit for the franchise.

"We could not have asked for a better replacement for Corey. Jimmy is a great fit for the Amazon Warriors, and we look forward to seeing the excellent form he displayed in the recent Test series continuing in the CPL," the former West Indies off-spinner said.

The 23-year-old Neesham bowls medium pace and is an attacking left-handed middle order batsman who hits the back cleanly.

He joins overseas players - fellow New Zealander Martin Guptil and Pakistani Mohammed Hafeez - in the Guyana outfit.

The CPL begins in Grenada on Friday and winds up on August 16 in St Kitts.