ENG vs NZ | Kyle Jamieson, Cam Fletcher ruled out of third Test

New Zealand's time in England went from bad to worse after fast bowler Kyle Jamieson and wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher were ruled out of the third and final Test match starting on June 23.

Jonny Bairstow's whirlwind knock of 136 and Ben Stokes' on-slaught in the final session on Day 5 of Trent Bridge saw the hosts gain an unassailable 2-0 lead over the defending Test champions.

Jamieson has been ruled out due to a 'stress reaction' on his lower back, an injury he suffered while bowling on Day 3 of the second Test. The Blackcaps Head coach Gary Stead confirmed that the all-rounder would fly home and need four to six weeks of rest before rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Fletcher suffered a grade-two right hamstring strain that puts the wicketkeeper out of the tour after he suffered an injury while fielding on Day 4 of the Nottingham Test.

Blair Tickner has been called in as a replacement for Jamieson and will arrive next week ahead of the Leeds Test. While Dane Cleaver has received his maiden Test call-up, coming in as a like-for-like replacement for Fletcher.

"It's always sad to see players forced to leave a tour early with an injury. Kyle had played such a big role in the first Test at Lord's, and I know how disappointed he was to have had his involvement in the second Test curtailed," Stead stated while speaking to Cricbuzz.

"He's obviously a huge asset for us, and we'll be making sure we are patient with his recovery to ensure he returns fully fit with plenty more important cricket still to come later this year. It's exciting for Blair and Dane to be joining us for the final Test at Headingley next week.

"Blair was with us for the first part of the tour, and his skills will be a valuable asset to the squad. It will be Dane's first experience with the Test side, and I know he can't wait to get here and soak it up," he concluded.