Ryder out of Zimbabwe Test with calf strain

New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder will miss the one-off Bulawayo Test against Zimbabwe from November 1, after sustaining a right calf strain. New Zealand Cricket have not added any replacement to the squad that is down to 13 members, following injuries to Kyle Mills and now Ryder.

Ryder picked up the injury while bowling in the warm-up game against Zimbabwe A in Bulawayo. He delivered three balls before feeling discomfort, and an ultra-scan on October 30 confirmed the strain.

"Initially we were hopeful the injury wasn't too serious but unfortunately the scan showed damage to Jesse's calf and he will miss the Test match," team manager Mike Sandle said. "He will return to New Zealand to undergo further assessment and a period of rehabilitation. Although he isn't available for our next match the medical team is confident he will be fit for and available for selection for December's Test series in Australia."

This is not the first time the injury-prone Ryder has sustained a calf-related ailment. He missed the ODI leg of the India tour in November last year, after straining his calf muscle during the Tests. He also picked up injuries to his elbow and groin - the latter requiring a surgery - in 2010. Earlier, he missed the latter stages of the 2009 Champions Trophy after pulling his left abductor muscle during a game against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand squad: Ross Taylor (capt), Graeme Aldridge, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Andy McKay, Jeetan Patel, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, Reece Young