Black Cap Astle out of second England Test

WELLINGTON, March 28 (AFP): New Zealand leg-spinner Todd Astle will miss the second Test against England due to a side strain, team officials said Wednesday, with Ish Sodhi called in as a like-for-like replacement.

Astle took three for 39 in the first Test and coach Mike Hesson said the timing of the injury was unfortunate.

"Through some incredibly hard work, Todd's already overcome some injuries this summer, so for this to happen now is a cruel blow," Hesson said.