Published: Feb 18, 2016, 12:48 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 18, 2016, 01:25 AM (IST)
Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle is all set to miss out on the second Test against New Zealand at Christchurch starting Saturday. Siddle has been ruled out due to a recurring back injury problem which has been a cause of discomfort for him. Siddle who made a return to Test squad playing the opening match of the two match Test series against New Zealand at Wellington, he had missed the final Test of the West Indies tour to Australia due to an ankle injury. Siddle had complained of back spasms on Day 4 of the Wellington Test. ALSO READ: Trent Boult: New Zealand can learn from Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird’s reverse-swing ability
“Peter experienced some discomfort in his back during the first Test in Wellington and has not recovered sufficiently enough to play the Test,” Cricket Australian Team Physiotherapist David Beakley to cricket.com.au. He further added, “At this stage the plan is for him to stay with the squad in Christchurch for the remainder of the tour before returning to Melbourne for further investigation.”
In all likelihood he will be replaced by James Pattinson. Pattinson himself is on a comeback trail after missing out on cricket for last month or so, citing a shin soreness. He has serious fitness issues whether he can bowl for five days or not. Pattinson will be gamble to play as Australia is eyeing the Test number 1 spot, if not for Pattinson, Australia will play seamer Chadd Sayers, who will be making his Test debut.
Earlier, it was New Zealand fast bowler Doug Bracewell who had been ruled out of the New Zealand vs Australia 2015-16 second Test at Christchurch due to a shoulder injury. Bracewell did not fly with his teammates to Christchurch as he was complaining of pain on his right shoulder
