New Zealand off-break bowler Mark Craig was on Monday ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against India due to a side strain and was replaced by Jeetan Patel, who will make a comeback to the Black Caps side after three years.
Craig sustained the injury to his left side while bowling in the second innings of the first Test on Sunday. He left the field to receive treatment and did not return – but remains available to bat.
Craig took one wicket in each of the Indian innings.
The injury is expected to take four weeks to fully recover, forcing Craig to return home to start his rehabilitation programme.
“We are really disappointed for Mark, knowing the work he has put in to prepare for this series. He started well with the ball in the first innings, before developing the side strain,” Kiwi coach Mike Hesson said in a release.
