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Injury woes for Kiwis

Wednesday, June 2 2004

New Zealand's chances of squaring the Test series against England at Headingley have suffered a setback, as injuries to key players haunt their campaign.

Jacob Oram, who suffered from a slight niggle during the first Test, underwent further observation, and has been found to have a side strain. As a result, he won't be able to bowl at Headingley. He could although play as a batsman, which however would mean that the Kiwis might have to go in with an extra bowler.

Craig McMillan was hit on an already damaged finger by a Darren Maddy delivery during New Zealand's first win on the tour against Leicestershire. A scan has confirmed that he has re-broken the finger, as a result putting him in serious doubt for the Headingley Test. A decision on his participation is likely to be taken today (Wednesday). The Kiwis though have called up Matthew Sinclair, the only Kiwi to score a double century on debut, as a cover for him.

Shane Bond's chances of returning to international action suffered a setback as a sacn done on his back last week revealed soreness (though not another stress fracture), thus putting him out of contention for the second as well as the third Test. He is likely to be fit by the time for the NatWest series, depending on how well he can cope with the stress on his back. His fate is likely to decided within a week, that is whether he will stay on in England, or return home.

Posted by Sudeep