AFP, Brisbane :
New Zealand have summoned Neil Wagner into the Australian tour squad as a backup for injured fast bowler Tim Southee, team officials said on Friday.
Southee left the field on the second day of the first Test against Australia in Brisbane with back trouble and will continue to be assessed by medical staff, officials said.
It is not known whether Southee will bowl again if required in Brisbane Test in what is a big blow for the Kiwis, who have been struggling for the opening two days at the Gabba.
“Obviously, it was a blow with Tim today,” team batting coach Craig McMillan said. “He’s got some stiffness in the back, that’s something that will be monitored overnight and see how he wakes up tomorrow.
“We’ll see how he scrubs up over the next couple of days in terms of his availability to bowl in this Test match.”
Southee, who had a scan after Thursday’s opening day’s play, pulled up with a back disc injury after delivering the last ball of his 24th over in Friday’s morning session. He left the field with the team trainer and did not return.
Southee is the spearhead of the Black Caps bowling attack and has taken 144 wickets in 41 Tests.
New Zealand have summoned Neil Wagner into the Australian tour squad as a backup for injured fast bowler Tim Southee, team officials said on Friday.
Southee left the field on the second day of the first Test against Australia in Brisbane with back trouble and will continue to be assessed by medical staff, officials said.
It is not known whether Southee will bowl again if required in Brisbane Test in what is a big blow for the Kiwis, who have been struggling for the opening two days at the Gabba.
“Obviously, it was a blow with Tim today,” team batting coach Craig McMillan said. “He’s got some stiffness in the back, that’s something that will be monitored overnight and see how he wakes up tomorrow.
“We’ll see how he scrubs up over the next couple of days in terms of his availability to bowl in this Test match.”
Southee, who had a scan after Thursday’s opening day’s play, pulled up with a back disc injury after delivering the last ball of his 24th over in Friday’s morning session. He left the field with the team trainer and did not return.
Southee is the spearhead of the Black Caps bowling attack and has taken 144 wickets in 41 Tests.
