Southee blow for Black Caps

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New Zealand paceman Tim Southee has been ruled out of the Test series against South Africa after suffering a thumb injury.

The 24-year-old is set to miss up to two months of action after it was confirmed he would need surgery, having suffered the problem diving for a ball in domestic cricket this week.

Tim Southee will miss the two-Test series against South Africa after suffering a thumb injury while fielding in domestic cricket

“He landed heavily on his thumb while fielding, with scans indicating the ligament has fully ruptured and retracted," said New Zealand physio Paul Close in a statement on www.blackcaps.co.nz.

“After consultation with NZC medical staff and a hand specialist it was decided the best course of action is for him to have surgery. He will commence rehabilitation immediately following the procedure, with a view to him returning to cricket during the home summer.

“The procedure is likely to keep him out of the game for six to eight weeks.”

The news is a major blow to the Black Caps' hopes ahead of the two-Test series which begins in Cape Town on January 2. Southee played a key role as New Zealand drew their recent rubber in Sri Lanka 1-1, grabbing 12 wickets at an average of 13.8.