Rib injury extends Neesham's absence from Test series against India

New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been ruled out of the second Test against India after failing to recover from a rib injury, which also forced him to sit out of the opening match.

Confirming the news, head coach Mike Hesson said that the team management would not ask for any replacement for the all-rounder since the match begins in two days' time at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

"Jimmy Neesham's injury will rule him out of at least this Test. That takes away options in terms of changing our balance a bit. But that's okay. We are not able to get any replacement in time who is a batting allrounder. Unfortunately, we have got a few other injuries at home as well, which makes that really challenging," Hesson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Neesham, who sustained the rib injury while batting in the nets in Delhi, is not the first man to be ruled out of the tour.

Earlier, Tim Southee injured his ankle even before the three-day warm-up game in Delhi while off-spinner Mark Craig suffered a side strain during the second innings of the opening Test in Kanpur.

Meanwhile, Hesson also hinted at the possible inclusion of Henry Nicholls into the playing XI despite his inexperience in the sub-continental conditions.

"We are restricted in some of our options. We have got Henry Nicholls in our group. Once again he has never played in India but played really nicely in South Africa in conditions that once again are distinctly different. He is a smart lad. He spent the last week trying to keep evolving his game plan. He is an option for us. And we will look at the conditions first before making a call," Hesson added.

India are currently leading the three-match series 1-0 following their comprehensive 197-run win over Kane Williamson's side in the opening match at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.