New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson has been ruled out for almost a year due to a new stress fracture. Scans carried out after the first test against South Africa showed a new injury in the same place where Jamieson had surgery last year.
The new injury now means he will not undergo surgery, instead opting for rehabilitation and rest to give the injury the best chance to heal and recover. Jamieson said that while the news had been difficult to accept, his determination to play again had not wavered.
The last few days have been challenging: Kyle Jamieson
“The last few days have been some of the most challenging, but I am enormously grateful for the support I have received from my partner, family, teammates, support staff and medical professionals. I know that injuries are a part of life as a cricketer and at my age I am hopeful that I will have many more playing days ahead of me,” Jamieson said in a statement.
Jamieson has been struggling with back problems for the past two years. He was first injured in June 2022 but then returned home in a series against England. However, a reappearance of the injury forced him to undergo surgery that kept him out of action for months. The Kiwi pacer also missed the 2023 ICC World Cup in India due to a back injury. Despite returning to fitness, Kyle Jamieson’s new injury may not look like he will be back on the field in 2024.
“We have all seen how much work Kyle has put in to return to international cricket and for him to have a setback like this is difficult news to take. On the positive side, we know how determined he is to continue playing cricket for New Zealand and we will fully support him on the rehabilitation path ahead. His determination has not wavered,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead.
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New Zealand won the Test series 2-0 against England and regained the number one spot in the 2023-25 WTC points table. The Kiwis have now won three of the four Test matches they have played in the new WTC cycle. They lead the table with a PCT of 75.0. Australia ranks second with 55.0, while India ranks third with 52.77 PCT.
The Kiwis won the first Test by 281 runs and the second Test by seven wickets. Kane Williamson batted magnificently in the series which ended with 403 runs in the two matches at an average of 134.33. Rachin Ravindra scored 301 runs in the series, followed by South African David Bedingham who scored 268 runs in two matches.
Tim Southee, the New Zealand captain, was happy after his players were able to take 20 wickets on a good batting pitch in the two Test matches. Williamson was named Player of the Series after scoring a mountain of runs. This was also the first time New Zealand won a test series against South Africa. This was also the Kiwis’ seventh Test win against the Proteas in 49 Test matches.
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