Black Caps bowler Kyle Jamieson sidelined by injury until next summer

Saturday, 17 February 2024

Kane Williamson scored his third century of the series as the Black Caps chased down 267 to beat South Africa in Hamilton.

Kyle Jamieson won’t play again until at least next summer
Black Caps pace bowler has a new stress fracture in his back
Debutant star Will O’Rourke in line to face world test champs

Kyle Jamieson has been ruled out of cricket until at least next summer after scans revealed a new stress fracture in his back.

The Black Caps fast bowler was already expected to miss the two-test series against Australia, but scans this week showed a new injury in the same location where he was operated on last year.

The towering seamer missed the second test victory over South Africa in Hamilton after starring in the big first test win in Mount Maunganui.

Kyle Jamieson starred for New Zealand in their first-test win over South Africa at Bay Oval.

Jamieson had match figures of 6-93 at Bay Oval but wasn’t considered for the second test due to back soreness.

He remains committed to another comeback from injury issues which are starting to blight his career.

“The last few days have been some of my most challenging but I am hugely grateful for the support I’ve received from my partner, family, team-mates, support staff and medical professionals,” Jamieson said in a statement.

“I know injuries are part of life as a cricketer and at my age I am hopeful I still have many more playing days ahead of me.”

Black Caps coach Gary Stead said they felt terrible for Jamieson.

“We’ve all seen how much work Kyle has put into returning to international cricket and for him to have a setback like this is tough news to get,” Stead said in a statement.

“On the positive side we know how determined he is to keep playing cricket for New Zealand and we will be fully behind him on the rehabilitation road ahead.

Will O’Rourke could retain his place after making his test debut this week in Hamilton.

“His resolve is undiminished.”

Jamieson’s immediate enforced absence will ensure star debutant Will O’Rourke keeps his place in the New Zealand squad for the upcoming two-test series against Australia in Wellington and Christchurch.

O’Rourke returned the best match figures for a New Zealand bowler in his first test appearance when he captured 9-93 in the seven-wicket victory over the Proteas at Seddon Park.

Jamieson underwent back surgery last February, missing the four home tests, and has battled to stay on the field in recent years.

He has played just three tests since the start of 2023, combined with five ODIs and five T20Is.

When fully fit, he is considered an integral part of the Black Caps’ bowling group and may be sorely missed against Australia, the reigning world test champions.

In two tests at the Basin, he has captured 11 wickets at 14.63, while at Hagley Oval he has excelled, taking 28 scalps at 17.57 from five matches. His Christchurch exploits include career-best match figures of 11-117 against Pakistan in January 2021.