Taylor Out Of Zimbabwe Series, Bennett Set For Back Surgery

Taylor Out Of Zimbabwe Series, Bennett Set For Back Surgery

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.

© Cricket World 2012