After an MRI scan indicated a stress reaction in his lower left back, New Zealand bowler Kyle Jamieson has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against England.
England won the series with a thrilling victory in the second Test at Trent Bridge, owing to Jonny Bairstow’s 136 off 92 on Day 5 of the match. With Kyle Jamieson, New Zealand’s best bowler during their five-wicket loss in the first Test at Lord’s, unable to bowl due to lower back discomfort on the third evening of the match, the tourists began to seem desperate for ideas.
Kyle Jamieson Out For 4-6 Weeks
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said he’ll need four to six weeks off before starting a rehabilitation programme, with a return to play in September or October a possibility.
“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,” said Stead.
“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.”
Blair Tickner To Replace Kyle Jamieson In New Zealand Squad
Blair Tickner, who was with the Test side during the early tour games in England, has been summoned into the team as Jamieson’s substitute and will be in the UK before the third Test in Leeds next week.
Dane Cleaver, Tickner’s domestic teammate, has been called up for his first Test after replacing wicket-keeper Cam Fletcher, who has also been ruled out of the tour due to a grade-two right hamstring strain. Fletcher suffered the injury while fielding on the fourth day of the second Test and will be out for six to eight weeks.
The third Test match between England and New Zealand will take place in Leeds on June 23.