Neesham goes home, Southee optimistic
New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia with a back injury, picked up in the same match fast bowler Tim Southee also injured his back.
While Neesham is definitely out of the series, the Black Caps are hopeful that Southee, who pulled up with the injury on day two in Brisbane, will be fit in time for the second Test in Perth.
Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum said of Southee after his side's 208-run loss at the 'Gabba: "I am pretty confident, he is starting to come right pretty quickly which is a good sign.
"Back injuries can recover pretty quickly, we will give him every chance.
"He showed in that first innings he will pose a lot of questions, so hopefully he will play."
But Neesham, who only recently returned to the side after a long injury lay-off and was himself an injury replacement for Corey Anderson, was replaced by Mitchell McClenaghan in the squad.
Coach Mike Hesson said: "Jimmy has worked hard to get back to fitness following his injury earlier this year, but at this stage still experiences discomfort when bowling extended loads.
"Jimmy will return to New Zealand for further medical assessment. At this stage our No.1 priority is getting Jimmy fully healthy and ready for the home summer."
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.