Jaipur: Already burdened by back injuries to skipper Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum, New Zealand today suffered yet another setback as their fast bowler Daryl Tuffey was ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against India due to a bicep strain.
Tuffey, who took two for 56 in the five-ODI series opener in Guwahati on Sunday, will return home. But the visitors have not yet announced his replacement.
"Daryl developed discomfort in his right bicep while he was playing but was able to manage it during the match. It appeared to be OK when he was bowling, but now he's unable to throw without pain so he will return home for further assessment and treatment," Mark Greatbatch, New Zealand's coach and selector, said in a statement.
Vettori and McCullum were not available for the first ODI and the side, led by Ross Taylor, was short on experience and went on to lose by 40 runs against India to trail 0-1 in the series.
It's still not clear whether the duo will be available for the second ODI here tomorrow.
"We are hopeful that both Dan and Brendon will be available for the next match. Dan is more likely at this stage but we are monitoring both on a day-to-day basis. A decision on the final line-up is expected shortly before the match," Greatbatch added. PTI