28 Jan 2009

Black Caps injured before first ball bowled in Australia

8:11 pm on 28 January 2009

Big-hitting opener Jesse Ryder is unlikely to play in the first One Day cricket International against Australia in Perth on Sunday after aggravating a shoulder injury during training today.

He will miss tomorrow's Blackcaps warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

His opening partner Brendon McCullum sustained a minor hip injury during today's nets session, however the team manager Lindsay Crocker says he responded well to physio treatment and is likely to play in tomorrow's match.

The Auckland wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins will be brought across to Perth in case cover is required for McCullum on Sunday.