http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 – Cricket News Update
New Zealand have been dealt another blow ahead of their Test series against South Africa after it was confirmed that premier pacer, Tim Southee, will not travel with the Test group after picking up a thumb injury while on domestic duty.
The fast bowler has been diagnosed with a ruptured ligament in his thumb, which will require almost two months of rest. He sustained the knock during the recently concluded Plunket Shield match between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Northern-Districts-c825 and Wellington where he landed heavily on his thumb while fielding.
"He landed heavily on his thumb while fielding, with scans indicating the ligament has fully ruptured and retracted," http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 physio Paul Close said. "After consultation with NZC medical staff and a hand specialist it was decided the best course of action is for him to have surgery.
"He will commence rehabilitation immediately following the procedure, with a view to him returning to cricket during the home summer.
The procedure is likely to keep him out of the game for 6-8 weeks."
Southee had been in impressive from off-late, where he helped the national team secure a 1-1 draw in the two-match Test series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758. He was the leading wicket-taker for his side, despite the Lankan pitches offering little to seamers. He picked up four in a losing cause, before taking 8 scalps to earn his team a much-needed win in the second Test.
He was also in supreme form for Northern Districts, where he notched up a commendable 156-run knock to help his team recover against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wellington-c864, before inflicting further damage by taking a five-wicket haul. It allowed the Districts to win the clash by six wickets, but the victory was soured by his injury.
Earlier, Southee was not considered for the looming T20 series due to the birth of his child. A replacement for the injured pacer is yet to be announced by the New Zealand board.
It has been a tough couple of weeks for Kiwi cricket, where the captaincy saga further deprived them of the services of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LRPL-Taylor-c1849, who decided to take a break from international cricket.
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