NZ vs SA: Trent Boult ruled out of second Test
What's the story
Ace New Zealand seamer Trent Boult has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa due to his lack of bowling in recent weeks. The decision to bench him from the second game was taken to avoid injury risk. Boult's absence from the second Test means that he has already played his last international game of the season on his home soil.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Boult will, however, join his teammates ahead of the second Test to bowl in the nets. Boult missed the opening Test against SA, which NZ won by an innings and 276 runs, to witness the birth of his third child. He is expected to miss NZ's ODI series against the Netherlands in the last week of March to participate in the Indian Premier League.
Statement
New Zealand coach Gary Stead on Boult
"He (Trent Boult) is not in a position to be available with his load and where he's at," Gary Stead said on Monday. "Since his wife has been having the baby he's missed out on a lot of opportunities to play cricket and bowl. We just felt the risk of him playing was far too great at the moment," he added.
Squad
New Zealand squad for the second Test
New Zealand have retained their 15-man squad for the second Test. It means they will be once again without a front-line spinner. New Zealand squad for the second Test: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicket-keeper), Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher (wicket-keeper), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young.
Series
A look at NZ vs SA Test series
New Zealand registered a thumping win over South Africa in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second game will be played at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, starting from February 25. The NZ vs SA Test series will not be televised in India. However, fans can live-stream the games on Amazon Prime (paid subscription).