Taylor out of Zimbabwe series
New Zealand Cricket today announced that BLACKCAPS captain Ross Taylor is out of the rest of The National Bank Series against Zimbabwe after scans revealed a Grade 2 tear of his right calf.
Taylor was injured while batting today, eventually retiring hurt on 122.
Paul Close, for the BLACKCAPS Physiotherapist, said that Taylor would undergo further assessment before starting a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.
“While it is early days, our target is to have Ross available for the one day series against South Africa in late February,” said Close.
Taylor was attempting a single when the injury occurred. . He received immediate treatment on the pitch before the injury was deemed severe enough to prevent him from batting on
Playing time has been extended by an hour each day to make up for time lost to rain today. Play will start each day at 10am and continue through to 6pm.
Hamish Bennett to undergo surgery
New Zealand Cricket medical staff today confirmed Hamish Bennett will undergo surgery next month as he looks to overcome a persistent lower-back problem.
NZC Medical Director Dr Ian Murphy said: “Scans have revealed that a combination of factors are combining to put pressure on a nerve in Hamish’s back and thus causing recurrent pain when he attempts to bowl at 100% exertion.
“An orthopaedic spine surgeon has recommended that the best management at this stage would be to undergo surgery to attempt to alleviate the pressure on the nerve.
His return to cricket will be based on how he recovers from surgery but he is expected to miss the remainder of the 2011-12 season for the BLACKCAPS and Canterbury Wizards.