Injured New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson, will return home after an MRI scan detected a stress reaction in his lower left back during the second Test at Trent Bridge, which England won by five wickets to take a commanding series lead.
The 27-year-old was injured while bowling on the third day of the Test, and coach Gary Stead estimated that Injured New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson would need four to six weeks off before beginning a rehabilitation programme, with a return to play in September or October a possibility.
Blair Tickner, a pace bowler who was with the Test side in England for the early tour games, has been called into the squad to replace Injured New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson and will be in the UK prior to the third Test at Leeds next week.
Dane Cleaver, Tickner’s domestic teammate, has been called up for his first Test call-up to replace 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 on day four of the second Test while fielding and will need six to eight weeks to recuperate.
In March, Cleaver was called up for the first time by New Zealand for a T20 match against the Netherlands. The one-off encounter, however, was called off owing to inclement weather.
Injured New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson and wicketkeeper Fletcher were recognised for their efforts, and Stead offered his condolences to them.
“It’s always heartbreaking to see players have to leave a tour early due to injuries,” added Stead.
“Kyle had been so important in the first Test at Lord’s, and I know how frustrated he was that his participation in the second Test had been limited. He’s obviously a major asset for us, and we’ll be careful with his recuperation to ensure he returns completely fit in time for the rest of the season.
“Blair and Dane are looking forward to joining us for the final Test at Headingley next week. Blair was with us for the first half of the tour and will be a valuable addition to the team. Dane will be making his Test debut, and I’m sure he can’t wait to come here and play.
New Zealand will have a couple of days off before regrouping in Leeds ahead of the third Test at Headingley starting on June 23.