New Zealand pacer to undergo back surgery

The 6’ 6’’ fast bowler has been an important part of the Black Caps setup, having played 16 Tests with 72 wickets at an average of 19.45 to his name. He was the star of New Zealand's win in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2021. He delivered a Player of the Match performance against India with match figures of 7/61.

The pacer last featured for New Zealand during their tour of England last year.

Earlier this month, Jamieson was on a comeback trail from a stress fracture injury to the back, sustained last year during the abovementioned tour. The Kiwi pacer was named in the squad to take on England, and had featured in the warm-up leading to the Test series.

However, a suspected stress fracture of the back ruled him out of the series. Now, consultations with a back surgeon confirmed the need for surgery.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead called it a big loss for the side but also said that they wanted to give Jamieson the best chance of recovery.

“Kyle has seen a back surgeon and is getting surgery later in the week. It's been a challenging and difficult time for Kyle and a big loss for us,” Stead stated.

“He has been fantastic around all of our sides when he's been part of them. We just wish him well and hope we'll know more in three to four months of what that end prognosis looks for him as well.

“A number of world-class players have had surgery in the back and it's different periods of time they recover. We just want (to give) Kyle the best chance of recovery because we know what a star he's been for us. Surgery provides a quicker return to play and that's the encouraging thing for him."

New Zealand missed out on Jamieson’s services in the first Test against England, and ended up fielding a rookie attack featuring the likes of Blair Tickner and Scott Kuggeleijn. The hosts lost the game by 267 runs.

With his surgery, Jamieson’s absence will be felt during New Zealand’s upcoming home series against Sri Lanka in March and the away tour of Pakistan in April.