NZ injury woes worsen prior to BD ODI series

Veteran Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor has been scratched from the first ODI against Bangladesh due to injury. He suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Central Districts in their Plunket Shield match against Wellington last week. Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the decision was a precautionary move.

It's a shame for Ross to have this happen on the eve of a series," he said.

"It's a small tear and we're hopeful after some rest and rehabilitation we can get him fit for the second game in Christchurch." Stead said Auckland batsman Mark Chapman has been called in as injury cover although the Black Caps expect Taylor to be fit for the second ODI in Christchurch next Tuesday.

"It's an exciting time for Mark who's come in and performed well recently for the T20 side, so we have full confidence he can do the job if called upon." The injury comes as a significant blow to the Black Caps ahead of the ODI series as they will have to do with their two most experienced players against the Tigers with captain Kane Williamson also sidelined for the entire series with an elbow injury.