New Zealand suffer second blow : Neesham out of first Test

New Zealand's travails in the subcontinent have begun even before a ball has been bowled in the Test series. Touted to be a Kohli vs Kane series, the Kiwis have had to content with the injuries that are swamping them. Pace spearhead Tim Southee was earlier ruled out of the series after an injury during practice bringing in a four-Test old youngster in his place.

All-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been the next one – Neesham picked up the rib injury in training last Thursday, and played a very limited role in the warm-up fixture against Mumbai in Delhi. He did not bat in either innings and bowled only five overs.

New Zealand's coach, Mike Hesson, said, "Jimmy was struck in the nets and has been in discomfort the last few days," he said. "It will take a few days for the bruising to go away, but it's very much a short-term injury."

He expected Neesham to return to be back for the second Test in Kolkata.

New Zealand Squad for first Test: Kane Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling.