Tim Southee’s hamstring problem has depleted New Zealand further © Getty Images
Fast bowler Tim Southee has been ruled out of the third Test against South Africa in Hamilton due to a hamstring injury he sustained in New Zealand’s eight wicket-loss in Wellington. No replacement has been added to the squad even though it was New Zealand’s third injury blow of the series. Ross Taylor and Trent Boult had been sidelined after the first Test in Dunedin with problems to their legs.
Having complained of discomfort at the Basin Reserve, 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. New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling said the left-arm quick 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.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo