Taylor Out Of Zimbabwe Series, Bennett Set For Back Surgery

27 January 2012

Ross Taylor will play no further part in the Zimbabwe series

©REUTERS / Action Images

New Zealand captain and key batsman Ross Taylor has been ruled out of the remainder of the series against Zimbabwe with a calf strain.

He was forced to retire hurt having made 122 during the second day of the only Test match and scans have revealed a grade two tear in his right calf.

He will now undergo further assessment ahead of rehabilitation and is hoping to return in time for the One-Day International series against South Africa in February.

He will therefore miss the three ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals against Zimbabwe and is a doubt for the three Twenty20s against South Africa later this month.

"While it is early days, our target is to have Ross available for the one day series against South Africa in late February," New Zealand physiotherapist Paul Close confirmed.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Hamish Bennett is to undergo surgery on a persistent lower-back problem in February.

"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," New Zealand Cricket Medical Director Dr Ian Murphy said.

"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."

He is expected to miss the entirety of New Zealand's summer programme.

Open an account with bet365 today and qualify for up to £200 in free bets with our fantastic 100% Deposit Bonus.

Other Top Stories

Ronchi To Aim For New Zealand Wicket-Keeping Berth

Former Australian wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi has announced his decision to retire from playing for Western Australia and return to New Zealand, where he was born. He plans to play domestic cricket and aim to make a return to international cricket with the Black Caps, for whom he would become eligible next year.

Taylor Out Of Zimbabwe Series, Bennett Set For Back Surgery

New Zealand captain and key batsman Ross Taylor has been ruled out of the remainder of the series against Zimbabwe with a calf strain. He was forced to retire hurt having made 122 during the second day of the only Test match and scans have revealed a grade two tear in his right calf.

Suzie Bates Named As New Zealand Captain

All-rounder Suzie Bates has been named as the new captain of the New Zealand Women's cricket team following the retirement of Aimee Watkins earlier this year. Bates has played 40 One-Day Internationals and 34 Twenty20 Internationals including her side's runs to the finals of the 2009 ICC Women's World Cup, 2009 ICC Women's World Twenty20 and 2010 ICC Women's World Twenty20 competitions.

Vettori Sidelined For Up To A Month With Hamstring Problem

Experienced New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori has been ruled out of action for up to a month after suffering a hamstring injury. The issue, which surfaced just prior to the second Test against Australia in Hobart, is a recurrence of an old problem and meant he missed the match at the Bellerive Oval.

David White Named As NZC's New CEO

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have confirmed that experienced sports administrator and former international cricketer David White has been appointed as its new Chief Executive. His former roles include chief executive of Auckland Rugby, Wellington Rugby and Bristol Rugby while he was also involved in travel and hospitality for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand Name Squads To Tour Zimbabwe

New Zealand have named their squads to tour Zimbabwe next month for a series of Tests, One-Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have named a 15-man squad for the ODIs and T20Is which will be played in October ahead of the one-off Test match, which begins on 1st November.