BJ Watling ruled out of first Test

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) today confirmed that BJ Watling will not be available for the first Test against South Africa, starting tomorrow at University Oval in Dunedin.

Watling has an injury to his right hip-joint and BLACKCAPS Physiotherapist Paul Close said that although he played a full part in training over two days, there was a risk that he couldn't get through the full five days of a Test match.

"The decision was based on a re-assessment made after training today by BJ and myself," said Close.

"The nature of the injury is such that we were concerned about BJ's ability to get through the match, based the high workloads required by a wicket-keeper batsman.

"He requires further assessment find out the best course of action and to determine how long it is until he's back playing. "

Uncapped player, Kruger van Wyk who joined the team in Dunedin yesterday, will wicket-keep in the match.