Big blow to New Zealand, Jameson out of England Test series

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Christchurch. New Zealand has suffered a major setback before the Test series against England. Veteran fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has been ruled out of the two-match series due to a suspected injury. New Zealand Cricket said on Tuesday that another fast bowler, Matt Henry, will also miss the first Test at Bay Oval as he awaits the birth of his first child.

Uncapped pairing of Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggeleijn have been named in the squad and will arrive in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the opening day-night Test starting on Thursday.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Jamieson’s suspected injury was detected by an MRI scan. This is a recurrence of the injury that ruled him out of the England Test tour in June.

Jamieson returned to play after injury in England for the Auckland Aces in the Super Smash and the Ford Trophy. Also participated in the New Zealand XI practice match against England in Hamilton last week.

Stead said, Jameson’s return is a big deal. He worked hard to come back.

“Since the injury in June we have certainly taken a cautious approach to managing his return with regular monitoring by our medical staff, which includes scans,” he added.

Henry Nicholls has also been delayed in joining the squad along with batsman Tom Blundell. While Henry is expected to return to the New Zealand team before the second Test in Wellington, starting February 24.(IANS)

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