13 Oct 2015

Anderson out of Australian Test Series

11:58 am on 13 October 2015

All-rounder Corey Anderson has been ruled out of the Black Caps' Test series in Australia, due to a back complaint that has sidelined him since the tour of England.

Corey Anderson bats during the first Investec Test Match between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground, London.

Corey Anderson bats during the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's, London. Photo: Photosport

Anderson has been unable to recover quickly enough to withstand the demands of the approaching series, and the 24-year-old has been replaced by Northern Knights all-rounder Mitchell Santner.

New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said in terms of bowling, Anderson was behind in his recovery schedule, and could not be risked for the Australian tour.

"We've always said there were a number of checkpoints for him to meet before our departure date, and we're now in a position to confirm he's not ready," said Larsen.

"With that in mind, it's better for him to continue his rehabilitation at Lincoln."

Santner, 23, was first selected by the Black Caps on this year's tour of England and played in the five one day internationals, before missing the tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa after breaking his thumb in a training accident.

Larsen said Santner's strong recent form for NZ 'A' in their warm-up fixture - in which he scored a century - and the Sri Lanka 'A' series sealed his selection.

"Mitch clearly isn't a direct, like-for-like replacement for Corey - but in terms of the bigger picture he's an allrounder who can bat at No.6 or 7 and he's also a front-line bowler," said Larsen.

"It's a good opportunity for him. We believe his left-arm spin will add some variety to our options and his batting is well-suited to the conditions expected across the Tasman."

The Black Caps depart for Australia on 20 October.