Franklin concerned migraines could hinder his World Cup

Left-arm seam bowler Franklin, 26, had to leave the field in the second-stage Super Eights match against Bangladesh on Monday in Antigua because of the problem. The Black Caps play next on Monday against Ireland in Guyana.

Franklin has suffered from migraines since he was 12 but said they had gradually occurred further apart. But he was concerned that he had now had two during matches in three months after experiencing one in Hobart in January.

''I feel as though I've been smacked in the head by a heavyweight boxer but then I feel as though I can get on with it,'' he told reporters on Thursday.

''I get blurred vision and then tunnel vision 20 minutes after that and then a headache that feels as though it's going to split your head wide open.'' He has taken four wickets in the four World Cup matches he has played so far, all of which New Zealand have won. The team is on six points in the Super Eights and well placed for a fifth World Cup semi-final appearance.

''It's a little concerning,'' Franklin said. ''I don't think scientifically anyone knows why they occur.

''I thought maybe it could come down to diet. I've cut out a lot of caffeine and tried to be hydrated but I was hydrated the other day and it came from nowhere.

''It's been disappointing because before Hobart I hadn't had one for 18 months. The last time was in Zimbabwe.

''I hope it doesn't hinder me in terms of the rest of the tournament because I was pretty disappointed with having it in that game because I was just feeling I was starting to turn a corner with my bowling.'' Franklin has been able to take a full part in training with New Zealand this week, though the team opted to have a day off today.

The seven-week World Cup culminates in the April 28 final in Barbados.

Reuters SSC KP1918

Viewer's Comment

Comments Not Available

More Stories