England rules Jamieson and Fletcher out of the series

Jamieson & Fletcher Ruled Out of England Tour: Kyle Jamieson, a fast-bowling all-rounder, and Cam Fletcher, a wicketkeeper, have been ruled out of New Zealand’s current Test tour of England. Fletcher has been ruled out with a grade-two right hamstring injury, while Jamieson is suffering from a ‘stress reaction’ in his lower back.

Jamieson was injured when bowling on the third day of play against England at Trent Bridge, and he was unable to participate for the rest of the match, with the exception of a brief cameo for batting in the second innings.

He’ll return home, and coach Gary Stead expects him to rest for four to six weeks before commencing a rehabilitation program with the goal of returning to the field in September or October.

Blair Tickner, who was with the Test side during the early tour games in England, has been summoned into the team as Jamieson’s substitute and will be in the UK before the third Test in Leeds next week.

In the meanwhile, Dane Cleaver has been called up for his first Test as a replacement for Fletcher. Fletcher was injured during fielding on the second test’s fourth day and will be out for six to eight weeks.

“It’s always heartbreaking to see players have to leave a tour early due to injuries,” added Stead. “Kyle had been so important in the first Test at Lord’s, and I know how frustrated he was that his participation in the second Test had been limited.

“He’s clearly a great asset for us, and we’ll be careful with his recuperation to ensure he returns completely fit in time for the rest of the season. Blair and Dane are looking forward to joining us for the final Test at Headingley next week.

“Blair was with us for the first part of the tour and his skills will be a valuable asset to the squad. It will be Dane’s first experience with the Test side and I know he can’t wait to get here and soak it up.”