Problems mount for New Zealand as Jamieson ruled out for months

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Injured fast bowler Kyle Jamieson was on Monday ruled out of cricket for a lengthy spell in another blow for New Zealand following their 267-run first Test drubbing by England.

Coach Gary Stead confirmed that Jamieson had been diagnosed with a back stress fracture and will undergo surgery this week, with a minimum recovery time of four months.

The 28-year-old had been poised to return from a long layoff for the Test at Mount Maunganui but could only watch as England consigned the home side to an eighth successive Test without a win.

“It’s been a challenging and difficult time for Kyle and a big loss for us,” Stead said.

Jamieson, whose absence has coincided with the side’s poor run, had been “fantastic” when part of the New Zealand team, Stead said.

Jamieson’s pace and bounce was missed by New Zealand, whose inexperienced attack struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting in the day-night Test at the Bay Oval.