Mason out of first Test

A hamstring strain on the eve of the first Test has ruled New Zealand pace bowler Michael Mason out of tomorrow’s series opener in Christchurch.

The injury comes at the worst possible time for the Central Districts paceman, who has been given an opportunity due to an injury to incumbent pace bowler Kyle Mills, who is expected to be fit for the second test in Wellington next week.

As 13 men were included in the original squad for the first Test, no replacement for Mason has been named.