Ross Taylor retired hurt for 8 during the final session of the second day © AFP
Ross Taylor has suffered a low grade tear of the right calf but will bat if required in the Dunedin Test against South Africa. There is no word on whether he will be able to take any further part in the series.
Taylor underwent a scan on Friday morning and had a short net session, after limping off the field in the 43rd over in the second day when he was 8. He received treatment overnight, which included icing on the area, and remains restricted in his movements.
He can resume his first innings at any time, but will only be able to bat at five down – or when the time he has spent off the field as elapsed – in the second.
After the second day’s play, Taylor’s team-mate Trent Boult admitted the team were concerned about his injury, his second in the same area in less than three years. Taylor missed a three-match ODI series against South Africa in 2014 for the same reason. “It’s a shame for us. He is a big player,” Boult said. “He is obviously disappointed. The way he walked off, it doesn’t look too good. We will see tomorrow.”
Taylor is New Zealand’s second-highest Test century-maker on 16, one behind his mentor Martin Crowe. Earlier this season he became their leading century-marker in ODIs, but has lost his place in the T20 side.
If this Test goes the duration there are only three days before the second Test starts in Wellington on March 16, which gives New Zealand six days to name a replacement if necessary. One man they cannot turn to is Martin Guptill, who will need six weeks of rehabilitation on his hamstrings ahead of the Champions Trophy. Colin Munro, Neil Broom and Dean Brownlie are believed to be in contention for a call-up if needed.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo