Cricket: Trent Boult ruled out of second test

Trent Boult appeals unsuccessfully during day three of the first test against Pakistan. Photo /Getty

Black Caps pace bowler Trent Boult has been ruled out of the second test against Pakistan starting tomorrow, due to a knee injury.

Boult has some irritation in the joint of his right knee, which has been managed in recent weeks.

Doug Bracewell has been brought into the squad.

Black Caps Coach Mike Hesson said: "Trent has had a minor discomfort in his knee dating back to the tour of India, which we've been managing in recent weeks.

"Unfortunately he irritated it further while fielding in the first test. He bowled again and we were optimistic he would be ready for Hamilton, but during training on Wednesday felt further pain and has subsequently been ruled out of the Test.

"We're hopeful at this stage that he'll be available for the Chappell-Hadlee series in Australia, but will continue to monitor him over the coming days."

Boult was troubled by the knee on the final day of the Christchurch test, but did some bowling only to have the niggle flare up.

''It's obviously disappointing for Trent," senior player Ross Taylor said today. ''He's been a big contributor to our success in the test format. The way he bowled in Christchurch, taking Azhar Ali's wicket to break the back (of Pakistan's second innings) ...he'll be a big loss.

''But it shows our stocks are pretty good when it comes to fast bowling when you can bring in Matt Henry, who was probably one of the pick of our fast bowlers (in India), and Doug Bracewell as well."

Left arm swing man Boult has taken 173 wickets in his 47 tests at 29.15 apiece.
The New Zealand XI won't be finalised until shortly before the start of play tomorrow.