Fletcher, Jamieson ruled out of English Series

Fast bowling all rounder Kyle Jamieson and wicket keeper batsman Cam Fletcher have been ruled out of New Zealand’s ongoing Test tour of England. While Fletcher is suffering a grade-two right hamstring pain, Jamieson has been ruled out due to ‘stress reaction’ on his lower back. 

Jamieson injured himself while bowling on the third day’s play against England at Trent Bridge, which kept him away from action for the remainder of the game, apart from a short appearance for batting in the second innings. He will fly back home and coach Gary Stead expects he would require at least six weeks of rest before beginning a rehabilitation program targeting a potential return to compete in September.

Blair Tickner has been called into the squad as Jamieson’s replacement and will arrive in the UK prior to the third test at Leeds next week. 

Meanwhile, Dane Cleaver has earned his maiden Test call up as a replacement for Fletcher. Fletcher endured hamstring while fielding on the fourth day of second test and will require around six to eight weeks to fully recover. 

"It's always sad to see players forced to leave a tour early with injury," Stead said. "Kyle had played such a big role in the first Test at Lord's and I know how disappointed he was to have had his involvement in the second Test curtailed.

"He's obviously a huge asset for us and we'll be making sure we are patient with his recovery to ensure he returns fully fit with plenty more important cricket still to come later this year. It's exciting for Blair and Dane to be joining us for the final Test at Headingley next week.

"Blair was with us for the first part of the tour and his skills will be a valuable asset to the squad. It will be Dane's first experience with the Test side and I know he can't wait to get here and soak it up."