Trent Boult termed unfit for the last Test against South Africa

The New Zealand team was handed in a huge blow ahead of the last and the final Test match of the series at Hamilton. Trent Boult who was supposed to be fit for this all-important match has been ruled out. Tim Southee who filled in for the injured Boult in the second Test also suffered a minor tear to his left hamstring and will have to sit out the final Test.

Gavin Larson the selector was supportive of Boult. He said that the pacer tried all he could to be back for the last Test but the injury has not yet recovered enough for him to participate. Larson said, “Trent did everything possible to get himself ready for this Test and is extremely disappointed to be missing out.”

He was also quick to address that Boult has made good progress but he was not ready for a Test match and required more time to be fit for the same, he also emphasized on the fact that injuries to their front line bowlers will test the quality of their bench strength.

“While he has made good progress, after training yesterday we spoke with medical staff and it was agreed that Trent required a little further time to be ready for the demands of Test cricket. Not having Trent or Tim available tests the depth of our squad, but we’re confident of the job that Neil and Matt can do for us,” said Larson.

Two of the best New Zealand seamers have been taken away by injuries. There surely will be a selection dilemma for the coach and skipper Kane Williamson who is currently shorthanded at the top of the lineup as well. Ross Taylor, who has performed so well for the Kiwis was also injured during the first Test in Dunedin.

He suffered a terrible tear in his calf muscle. The Hamilton pitch is supposed to be a spinner friendly track. James Neesham or Colin de Grandhomme will have to make way for a spinner. Scott Kuggeleijn has been called in as a replacement for Boult. Kuggeleijn has been involved in some, off-field controversies but has done well since returning to cricket.

Neil Wagner has also been one of the rare performers for the New Zealand team. He has picked up nine wickets so far at an average of just over 29. Matt Henry is the most likely replacement for Boult as he has more experience than any other bowler. Henry last played a Test against Pakistan last year at Seddon Park.