Bennett And Southee Ruled Out With Injuries

Bennett And Southee Ruled Out With Injuries

Tim Southee has been ruled out of the Champions League T20

©REUTERS/Andrew Caballero-Reynolds (SRI LANKA - Tags: SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have confirmed that fast bowlers Tim Southee and Hamish Bennett have suffered knee and back injuries respectively.

Southee has been ruled out of participating in the Champions League T20 with Chennai Super Kings, the reigning champions, while Bennett is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, which begins in November.

"Tim has suffered some cartilage damage to his left knee while preparing for the Champions League," John Buchanan, speaking on behalf of the High Performance team, told NZC's website (www.blackcaps.co.nz).

"He requires further assessment to determine the seriousness of the injury but initial signs indicate that he is unlikely to require surgery.

"He will undergo a period of intense rehabilitation and attempt to return to training shortly. A call on his availability for the tour of Zimbabwe will be made closer to the time."

Bennett, meanwhile, has reported soreness in his lower back and will remain out of action for some time as he recovers.

"Hamish complained of soreness in his lower back that intensified following training," Buchanan said.

"He had undertaken scans and the medical team have ruled out serious pathological injures such as a stress fracture.

"I believe that with a thorough rehabilitation program Hamish will be able to return to cricket some time soon but unfortunately he is unlikely to recover in time for the tour of Zimbabwe."

© Cricket World 2011