Siddle ruled out of Christchurch Test

Christchurch, Feb 18: Fast bowler Peter Siddle has been ruled out of Australia's second Test against New Zealand which will start here on February 20.

"Peter experienced some discomfort in his back during the first Test in Wellington and has not recovered sufficiently enough to play the Test," Cricket Australia's (CA) physiotherapist David Beakley said on Thursday.

"At this stage the plan is for him to stay with the squad in Christchurch for the remainder of the tour before returning to Melbourne for further investigation."

James Pattinson is likely to fill in Siddle's shoes for the contest.

In 61 Tests Siddle has taken 208 wickets for Australia. In the last Test match in Wellington he took 3/37 in the first innings and then contributed 49 runs with the bat. Australia won the game by an innings and 52 runs. IANS