New Zealand suffered another big blow before Tuesday’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe as elegant middle-order batsman Jesse Ryder has been ruled out of the game with a calf strain, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Sunday. Earlier, paceman Kyle Mills was also ruled out of the tour due to back injury.

The left-hander sustained the injury while bowling in the warm-up match against Zimbabwe A in Bulawayo, which ended on draw.

“Initially we were hopeful the injury wasn’t too serious but unfortunately the scan showed damage to Jesse’s calf and he will miss the Test match,” Mike Sandle, the team manager told to media reporters.

Ryder will undergo further assessment

“He will return to New Zealand to undergo further assessment and a period of rehabilitation. Although he isn’t available for our next match the medical team are confident he will be fit for and available for selection for December’s Test series in Australia.”

No replacement of Ryder named

The injuries are not new for the 27-year-old batsman in his three-year long international career. Different sort of injuries forced him to miss several important series.

Although the twice injuries the squad of New Zealand is reduced to 13 but no replacement of Ryder named as the Test squad has enough cover in the middle-order department.