Martin misses Bangladesh Tests

8 October 2008

Chris Martin is recovering from hamstring and lower back injuries © Getty Images

Injured New Zealand bowler Chris Martin has been ruled out of the two-Test series against Bangladesh.

The 33-year-old bowler has been struggling with a hamstring and lower back injury which he suffered while playing for Warwickshire in the LV County Championship.

That injury forced him to withdraw from the squad for the three one-day internationals in Bangladesh, where he was replaced by Michael Mason, and it had been hoped he would recover in time for the two-Test series later this month.

But selector Dion Nash said while Martin was now pain free and making good progress he had lost some fitness and the aim was to get him ready for November’s Tests against Australia.

“With such a big season ahead it would have been foolish to rush Chris back too early,” Nash said.

“He is better at home working on his fitness and strength and preparing himself for the two-test series against Australia next month.”

Martin has been replaced by Mark Gillespie who is already in Bangladesh with the one-day squad.

New Zealand play three one-day internationals on Thursday, Saturday and October 14 before the first of two Tests begins on October 17.