Neesham to miss Kolkata Test, Patel’s arrival delayed

KOLKATA: New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham will miss the second Test against India here due to the rib injury that kept him out of the first match in Kanpur, coach Mike Hesson said on Wednesday.

Off-spinner Jeetan Patel’s flight from England was cancelled which means he will land here only a day before the test gets underway on Friday (tomorrow).Patel is replacing fellow off-spinner Mark Craig who sustained a side strain in Kanpur, where India registered a 197-run victory to go 1-0 up in the three-test series.

“Jimmy Neesham’s injury will rule him out of at least this Test,” Hesson told reporters.“That takes away options in terms of changing our balance a bit. But that’s okay. We are not able to get any replacement in time who is a batting all-rounder.”

New Zealand lost fast bowler Tim Southee to an ankle injury even before the Test series started.The home side were pleased with the batting of Cheteshwar Pujara, who struck a half-century in each innings. “I don’t think Pujara has ever breathed easily from all you guys’ perspective and some people who are constantly watching him,” India coach Anil Kumble said.