Injured Mark Craig to be replaced by Jeetan Patel

New Zealand cricketer Mark Craig has been ruled out of the India Test series after picking up a side strain. He will be replaced by Jeetan Patel.

New Zealand's Mark Craig celebrates after picking up a wicket against India.

Kanpur, Sep 26 (PTI) New Zealand national cricket team off-break bowler Mark Craig has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against India due to a side strain. He will be replaced by Jeetan Patel, who will make a comeback to the Black Caps side after three years.

Craig sustained the injury to his left side while bowling in the second innings of the first Test yesterday. He left the field to receive treatment and did not return — but remains available to bat.

Craig took one wicket in each of the Indian innings. The injury is expected to take four weeks to fully recover, forcing Craig to return home to start his rehabilitation programme.

“We are really disappointed for Mark, knowing the work he has put in to prepare for this series. He started well with the ball in the first innings, before developing the side strain,” Kiwi coach Mike Hesson said in a release.

Patel, also an off-spinner, (36), last played for the Test side in 2013, but has been a star performer for Warwickshire on the UK county circuit.

Hesson said it was important to have an off-spinner in India, and that Patel fitted the bill perfectly.

“Jeetan is up to speed from a bowling load perspective having recently completed a successful county season — so he will be ready for the rigours of Test cricket,” said Hesson.

“He’ll also add invaluable experience to our young spin group.”

The second Test between the two teams is scheduled to begin in Kolkata from Friday.