CHRIST CHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) – Fast bowler Mark Gillespie has been ruled out of the Test series against West Indies with injury.
The 32-year-old suffered a severe sprain while jogging and has had to withdraw from the 15-man squad. “Mark unfortunately has had to withdraw from the upcoming Test series against the West Indies having not responded to treatment in time to be fully fit,” national selection manager Kim Littlejohn said.
“As a precautionary measure Mark feels that it would be the right decision to stay in Wellington to continue working on his rehabilitation.”
No replacement has been named.
Meanwhile, rookie fast bowler Trent Boult has been added to the squad for the One-Day International series which bowls off in Jamaica on Thursday.
The 22-year-old was already a member of the Test squad but will beef up the tourists resources for the five-match campaign.
“The current squad already has sufficient batting resources and we felt that bolstering the bowling stocks was the right option,” Littlejohn noted.
“Trent was always part of the Test squad and has been on standby for the ODI series.   Having him join the team early will also benefit his preparation for the Test matches.”
The one-day series runs until July 16 before the two teams clash in two Tests from July 25 to August 6.