New Zealand suffered a blow on the eve of the second Test against Pakistan when bowling spearhead Trent Boult was ruled out with a knee injury.
Matt Henry was expected to be elevated to share the new ball in Hamilton with Tim Southee, although New Zealand delayed naming their side until Friday’s toss.
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson revealed Boult had been troubled by “minor discomfort” in his left knee since the recent India tour and irritated it further in the first Test against Pakistan which New Zealand won by eight wickets.
“We were optimistic he would be ready for Hamilton, but during training on Wednesday felt further pain and has subsequently been ruled out of the Test,” Hesson said.
With the Seddon Park wicket in Hamilton expected to produce more swing that Hagley Oval did for the first Test, Doug Bracewell has been added to the New Zealand squad.
Senior batsman Ross Taylor confirmed he will undergo surgery next Wednesday, immediately after the Test, to remove a growth in his left eye.
