Young NZ fast bowler Milne struck down with injury

WELLINGTON, (Reuters) – New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out for at least six weeks after the 21-year-old suffered a torn abdominal muscle in his side’s 24-run victory over India in their first one-day international in Napier on Sunday.

Milne was forced to leave the field midway through his eighth over and had scans in Hamilton on Monday.

New Zealand Cricket physiotherapist Paul Close said Milne would need at least six weeks rehabilitation, ruling him out of the remainder of India’s tour.

The Central Districts bowler had struggled on flat wickets on tours in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh but caused a stir this summer on New Zealand wickets with his fastest deliveries being clocked in excess of 153kph.

Canterbury pace bowler Hamish Bennett will replace Milne in the squad for the remainder of the one day international series.

The second game in the five-match series is today in Hamilton.