New Zealand fast bowling all-rounder Kyle Jamieson and wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher have been ruled out of the ongoing three-match Test series against England. Jamieson is suffering from a ‘stress reaction’ on his lower back, while Fletcher has been ruled out with a grade-two right hamstring strain.
Notably, Jamieson sustained the injury while bowling on Day 3 of the recently-concluded second Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The injury kept the lanky pacer away from the action for the remaining part of the match, apart from a short appearance for batting in the second innings.
Jamieson would require four to six weeks of rest before starting a rehabilitation program, and he is set to return home, confirmed Black Caps coach Gary Stead. Blair Tickner has been called into the squad as Jamieson’s replacement and will arrive in the UK ahead of the third and final Test at Leeds next week.
Like Jamieson, Fletcher suffered from the injury while fielding on Day 4 of the Trent Bridge Test and will require six to eight weeks to recover. Dane Cleaver has received his maiden Test call-up as a replacement for Fletcher.
“It’s always sad to see players forced to leave a tour early with an injury. Kyle had played such a big role in the first Test at Lord’s, and I know how disappointed he was to have had his involvement in the second Test curtailed. He’s obviously a huge asset for us, and we’ll be making sure we are patient with his recovery to ensure he returns fully fit with plenty more important cricket still to come later this year,” said Stead in a statement.
“It’s exciting for Blair and Dane to be joining us for the final Test at Headingley next week. Blair was with us for the first part of the tour, and his skills will be a valuable asset to the squad. It will be Dane’s first experience with the Test side, and I know he can’t wait to get here and soak it up,” he added.
