New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will miss the series-deciding final Test against England at Trent Bridge as a fitness precaution, captain Tom Latham said on Wednesday.
The towering paceman, nearly 7 feet (2.13 metres) tall, took 10 wickets at an impressive average of 24.20 in the opening two Tests of a three-match series, all square at 1-1 heading into the start of Thursday’s match in Nottingham.
Jamieson has recovered from a succession of back injuries and, having sent down 65 overs at Lord’s and the Oval in the first two Tests, the most of any bowler on either side, he has been removed from contention at Trent Bridge in a bid to manage his workload.
“KJ won’t be available for selection, the plan was always for him to play two Test matches,” Latham told reporters at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.
“He’s certainly not injured; there’s nothing to worry about. We know the road he’s had over the last two or three years, and for him to get back to this point, to be able to play two matches, has been a win for us and a win for KJ.”
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Blair Tickner is in contention as a replacement seamer, while New Zealand are also considering recalling fit-again left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, given the forecast for unusually hot and dry conditions in Nottingham.
Severe heat warnings are in place for the first two days, but Test cricket regularly takes place in soaring temperatures, with a sanguine Latham insisting: “I wouldn’t say it’s a concern.
“As international cricketers, we’re used to playing around the world in pretty hot and humid conditions,” he added.
“From a hydration point of view, it’s important to stay in touch with that and give yourself the best chance of performing over the five days.”
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