Southee ruled out of Hamilton Test with hamstring tear
- by Leland Aguilar
- in Entertaiment
- — Mar 25, 2017
New Zealand's left-arm seamer Trent Boult has been ruled out of the third test against South Africa and been replaced in the squad by the uncapped Scott Kuggeleijn. "To push (de Kock) for one more game is something that's important for the team", the captain said before the training session.
"In every series we've played there's been one or two guys that's put their hand up and that's been great".
"I don't think people appreciate and understand exactly how well the South African team before me and the guys that are playing now did".
The Proteas were made to sweat on the fitness of wicketkeeper batsman and top scorer in the second Test Quinton de Kock but the left-hander passed a late fitness Test and will take his place in the XI.
Meanwhile, New Zealand scrambled yesterday to determine their line up. That remains the only series South Africa have lost away from home in a decade, a testament to their ability to adapt.
Boult sustained the injury during the first Test in Dunedin which ended in a draw and was forced to miss the second game in Wellington as well which South Africa went on to win by eight wickets and secured an unassailable lead of 1-0 in the series. "Two spinners is an option we're looking at due to conditions, but also due to how many people we have fit at the moment", Williamson said.
With first-choice backup Lockie Ferguson also injured, the Black Caps called up uncapped Central Districts all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn as cover.
Earlier in the season Scott Kuggeleijn made himself unavailable for any worldwide selection because of the pending trial relating to an incident in 2015. New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said that while Boult has worked hard to make himself available, it was clear he needed further recovery time before returning to action.
"The New Zealand team have done some really good things in the last while".
Larsen said that although the absence of Boult and Southee would test the depth of the side, he is confident of seeing good performances from Wagner and Henry.
