Tremlett blow for England

Giant seamer ruled out of New Zealand tour through injury.

Last updated: 29th February 2008

Chris Tremlett England v New Zealand Selection XI Feb 08

Tremlett: Out of tour

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England's bowling attack has suffered another blow with Chris Tremlett being ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand after suffering a side strain during the final warm-up match.

The giant Hampshire seamer was added to England's Test squad last weekend after Steve Harmison complained of a lower back problem.

With Ryan Sidebottom also struggling with injury, Tremlett was given the chance to book a place in the opening Test in Hamilton by being chosen for the final three-day match against a Select XI in Dunedin.

However, after bowling five overs during the rain-affected second day at the University Oval, Tremlett left the field complaining of discomfort in the same left side which he had scanned last weekend.

After deliberations among the medical staff it was agreed he would return home, although England will not be flying out a replacement.

Sidebottom skipped the three-day match with a hamstring strain, although coach Peter Moores is hopeful he will recover in time for the first Test.

One-day skipper Paul Collingwood has also been rested as a precaution with the same hamstring strain.

Tremlett's Test opportunities have been hampered by injuries in the past, as he had to withdraw from the Pakistan tour of 2005 through injury.

He also needed a pain-killing injection in his shoulder to play in last summer's final Test against India at the Oval.