11cricket.com

WELLINGTON (AFP) – New Zealand have suffered a further injury blow before their must-win Champions Trophy cricket match against England in South Africa with fast bowler Daryl Tuffey ruled out because of a broken hand.

Tuffey becomes the third member of the New Zealand side to suffer a tournament-ending injury.

Allrounder Jacob Oram returned home early after straining a hamstring while opening batsman Jesse Ryder suffered a groin injury during his innings of 74 in New Zealand’s 38-run win over Sri Lanka.

Team manager Dave Currie told Radio Live here from South Africa that Tuffey suffered his injury while fielding.

“He broke a bone in the back of his hand. He needs to get back to New Zealand now to have surgery,” Currie said.

For Tuesday’s match against England Tuffey will be replaced by Ian Butler who is available for selection again after being down with a stomach illness.

Meanwhile, batsman Aaron Redmond who was rushed to South Africa to replace Ryder is unlikely to be considered for the match as flight delays mean he will only arrive a few hours before the game begins.

England have already qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament and New Zealand need to beat them in the final pool match to also enter the knock-out phase.