New Zealand Cricket (NZC) today announced Ross Taylor and Ronnie Hira have been ruled out of tomorrow’s Twenty20 International against the West Indies.
Taylor is also unlikely to feature in the first part of the One Day International series after scans revealed a grade two injury.
The injury occurred when the BLACKCAPS captain landed heavily on his left shoulder while attempting to take a catch. Taylor remained on the field until the end of the innings but was only able to face 11 deliveries before being retired hurt.
BLACKCAPS Physiotherapist, Paul Close said: “Unfortunately, Ross sustained a grade two injury to his left AC joint during the game today. It was confirmed by the x-ray and MRI scan completed at the hospital.
“At this stage the injury looks like it will exclude him from selection for tomorrow’s match and for the first part of the ODI series.
Close explained that the best course of action was to keep Taylor with the squad while he recovers, allowing him to be assessed and treated on a daily basis.
“Essentially we want to promote the healing process and gradually introduce him to his skill training and get the strength and stability back around his shoulder,” Close added.
Ronnie Hira will also miss the second and final Twenty20 after he was struck firmly on the hand while attempting to field a ball with the impact splitting the skin and dislocating the middle finger on his left hand.
“Ronnie was hit hard on his left hand and suffered a dislocated joint his middle finger," said Close.
“He went to hospital were scans showed there wasn’t a fracture but the skin has split and he is required to wear a splint. He won’t take any further part in the series and will return to New Zealand to undergo further assessment and a period of rehabilitation.”
Jacob Oram also sustained an injury with his right knee dug into the turf when he was trying to stop the ball crossing the boundary.
“Jacob jarred his knee and has suffered a minor knee strain," said Close.
“At this stage the injury appears to be relatively minor but we will know more after period ice treatment and rest.
“We will reassess in the morning and complete a fitness test before the match if necessary.”
