21 Feb 2016

Siddle out of Hagley Oval Test

5:33 am on 21 February 2016

Back pain has ruled Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle out of the second cricket Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.

The 31-year-old played in the first Test, taking three wickets to help Australia beat the Black Caps by an innings and 52 runs at Wellington's Basin Reserve.

Peter Siddle celebrates the dismissal of Henry Nicholls, Basin Reserve, Wellington. Friday 12 February 2016. Copyright photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Peter Siddle celebrates the dismissal of Henry Nicholls Photo: Photosport

"Peter experienced some discomfort in his back during the first Test in Wellington and has not recovered sufficiently enough to play the Test," Cricket Australia physiotherapist David Beakley said in a statement.

At this stage the plan was for Siddle to stay with the squad in Christchurch for the remainder of the tour before returning to Melbourne for further investigation, Beakley said.