“I am sure he will be right come Hamilton”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand have been dealt a huge blow after it was confirmed that left-arm seamer Trent Boult would miss the second Test against South Africa with a leg injury.

Initially classed as a hip problem, Boult’s injury saw him miss the final session on the fourth day of the first Test in Dunedin.

Even though the fifth day was completely washed out due to heavy rain, Boult has not had enough time to recover and fellow pace bowler Tim Southee will take his spot in Wellington.

“Injuries are part and parcel of cricket,” Southee, who did not play the first Test, said. “He has had a big workload with five one-dayers and a big four days in the Test match in Dunedin. Trent being one of the fittest guys in the side does everything he possibly can to keep himself fit, so it’s unfortunate that it has come but I am sure he will be right come Hamilton.”

Boult is the second player New Zealand have lost ahead of the second Test, which begins on Thursday, as veteran middle order batsman Ross Taylor was also sidelined after being diagnosed with a low grade tear in his right calf.

Neil Broom was subsequently called up as Taylor’s replacement.

With the first Test ending as a draw, both teams will be determined to clinch the second Test in order to have a 1-0 lead in hand going into the third Test in Hamilton on March 25.