Siddle will miss the second Test against New Zealand
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Australia pace bowler Peter Siddle will be sidelined for the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch due to back pain.
Siddle suffered back spasms on the third day of the first Test in Wellington and was subsequently only bowled eight overs during New Zealand’s second innings before being forced to leave the field. He was back on the field on the fourth day, but did not bowl.
“Peter experienced some discomfort in his back during the first Test in Wellington and has not recovered sufficiently enough to play the Test,” Cricket Australia’s physiotherapist David Beakley said. “At this stage the plan is for him to stay with the squad in Christchurch for the remainder of the tour before returning to Melbourne for further investigation.”
Siddle is likely to be replaced by James Pattinson, who featured in the Test series against the West Indies in December to January before succumbing to shin soreness.
Pattinson was not selected for the first Test, which Australia won by an innings and 52 runs, as the national selectors were unsure whether he was fit enough to play for five days.
However, after the first Test, Australia captain Steven Smith confirmed that Pattinson had been bowling in the nets and was set to be available for the second Test.