NEW ZEALAND has dealt a serious blow with paceman Tim Southee ruled out of the third and the final Test against South Africa with a hamstring injury.
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians too will be sweating over Southee's fitness considering that he played a vital role for the franchise in the last edition of IPL. As reported by Reuters, Southee, who felt discomfort during the second Test loss at the Basin Reserve, underwent a scan on March 23. And the reports have showed that he has suffered a grade one tear of his left hamstring. The New Zealand Cricket mentioned in its statement,
"He felt discomfort following the second Test in Wellington and as a precautionary measure was sent for a scan. He felt discomfort following the second Test in Wellington and as a precautionary measure was sent for a scan."
As there is no word on how long he would be out of action, his availability in the upcming IPL cannot be confirmed. The Kiwis, who are trailing 1-0 in the series, will now bank on services of Trent Boult in the Hamilton Test.