New Zealand will be without two key players for the second test against England, which starts Friday in Hamilton
Fast bowler Trent Boult and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme have both been ruled out with injury and are now in a race to be fit for next month's series against Australia.
After he managed just one over on the final day of the first test win in Mt Maunganui, an MRI scan has confirmed Boult suffered a strain in a muscle over his ribs on his right side.
De Grandhomme has a tear to his left lower abdominal muscle, sustained while fielding in the second innings at Bay Oval.
Both players will remain at home to undergo rehabilitation, with the hope they'll be ready for the first of three tests against Australia, starting in Perth on December 12.
The injuries pave the way for Daryl Mitchell’s maiden call-up to the test squad, after his strong recent form in the Plunket Shield.
Mitchell will join the team today alongside Auckland Aces fast bowler Lockie Ferguson and Canterbury spinner Todd Astle, who rejoin the test squad, after being released to play in the opening rounds of the Ford Trophy.
White-ball star Ferguson seems the most likely replacement for Boult for his test debut.
Join us at 10am Friday for live updates of the second Blackcaps v England cricket test
