Tim Southee’s hamstring problem has depleted New Zealand further © Getty Images
New Zealand seamer Tim Southee has been ruled out of the third Test against South Africa in Hamilton due to a hamstring injury he sustained in the hosts’ eight wicket-loss in Wellington. New Zealand have decided not to add a replacement to the squad. This is New Zealand’s third injury blow of the series. Ross Taylor had suffered a calf strain during the first Test in Dunedin and was subsequently ruled out of the second Test. Trent Boult, meanwhile, injured his leg in the same Test and missed the Wellington Test too.
Having complained of discomfort in the second Test, Southee went for a scan, which revealed only a minor tear on his left hamstring, but it has forced him out of the third Test, starting March 25.
Boult has bowled lightly in the last couple of days, but remains a doubtful starter for the Hamilton Test. New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watlingt said Boult was not yet 100% fit and a call on his availability would be taken later in the week.
If Boult fails to recover in time, New Zealand will have only two frontline seamers – Neil Wagner and Matt Henry – in addition to allrounders Colin de Grandhomme and James Neesham.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo