Cricket | Todd Astle ruled out of Christchurch Test

Todd Astle has been ruled out of the second and final Test against England in Christchurch, it was confirmed on Wednesday (March 28). Ish Sodhi will replace the legspinner.

Astle suffered a side strain during the historic Day-Night fixture in Auckland and won't recover in time to be fit for the second Test. He played a crucial role in dismantling the England batting in the second innings as the hosts cantered to a massive innings win to take a 1-0 lead.

Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes had frustrated the hosts with a defiant stand in the second session to keep the team afloat. However, Astle collaborated with Neil Wagner to lead the side to a win.

"Through some incredibly hard work, Todd's already overcome some injuries this summer," Trevor Bayliss, the New Zealand coach, said. "Todd played a major role in helping us win the game at Eden Park, so it's disappointing for Todd and the team that he's forced to the sideline ahead of Friday."

Sodhi last played a Test in India when New Zealand toured for a three-match series in 2016. He picked up 12 wickets in the game against Wellington earlier this week after ending with 7 for 30 and 5 for 32 in the Plunket Shield match.

The last match of the tour will be played from March 30 as England will look to bounce back in the series and end the tour on a positive note.

(CRICBUZZ)