Mitchell McClenaghan to replace James Neesham in New Zealand squad

James Neesham gets bowled in the first innings of the 1st Test against Australia

It looks like hurdles are being heaped up in front of New Zealand and one more player from the team, James Neesham, who is an allrounder, has been knocked out of the three-Test series due to back strain, as per the reports that came from team officials on Monday, reports WisdenIndia.

New Zealand commenced the final day of the first Test at 142 for 3, chasing 504 where Neesham batted at No. 6 and scored 3 runs off 33 balls. New Zealand got all out for 295 as they lost the first Test by 208 runs. Aussies were having a complete control over the game from Day 1. Khawaja and Burns’ maiden tons and David Warner’s double ton took the Aussies to a very firm position.

The left- arm pacer Mitchell McClenaghan will be replacing Neesham for the rest of the matches. Similarly, New Zealand also chose Neil Wagner, another left-arm pacer, as a substitute for Tim Southee, who suffered a disc injury and couldn’t bowl in Australia’s second innings.

It is hoped, however, that Southee will have some part to play in the series yet.

Southee will be missed

The team is definitely going to miss Southee’s presence, but he may fly with the team to Perth for the second Test. However, it is difficult for him to prove his fitness as the test is scheduled on Friday. The Australian openers took advantage of Southee’s absence on the Day three of the first Test.

According to the reports sent by the team officials, Neesham, who was himself a replacement for the injured allrounder Corey Anderson, is deemed unfit for play. Anderson himself is recovering from a back injury but is still not completely fit.

“Jimmy has worked hard to get back to fitness following his injury earlier this year, but at this stage still experiences discomfort when bowling extended loads,” said Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach. “Jimmy will return to New Zealand for further medical assessment. At this stage, our number one priority is getting Jimmy fully healthy and ready for the home summer.”

The 25-year-old pacer Neesham bowled 20 overs in both the innings and had figures of 1-111, but he is struggling to grab control and maintain his pace.

For New Zealand, it is going to be a very challenging task as none of the batsmen apart from McCullum and Williamson have shown up. On the other hand, the team officials are struggling to deal with the injuries of the players, a fact that is hovering over the team as a disaster.