Guptill out for 6 weeks to recover

WELLINGTON: Aggressive opening batsman Martin Guptill has been ruled out of all cricket to undergo six weeks of strength training and rehabilitation on separate hamstring injuries that have ruled him out of New Zealand’s limited overs side for a month.

The 30yearold was unavailable for New Zealand’s matches against Australia and South Africa in February, but scored 180 not out on his return in the fourth oneday international against the Proteas in Hamilton on March 1.

He will miss the rest of New Zealand’s domestic firstclass season and the beginning of the Indian Premier League.

‘‘At the moment Martin isn’t fit to play and the time we give him now to strengthen his hamstrings will play a big role in mitigating future risk, too,’’ New Zealand team physiotherapist Tommy Simsek said in a statement.

‘‘We’ve put a programme in place to make sure that Martin can return to full strength and we’ll continue to monitor him closely.’’

Coach Mike Hesson said Guptill’s importance to the oneday squad for June’s Champions Trophy in England meant a complete break from cricket was the best option.

‘‘Having Martin fully fit is critical, as we all know the positive influence he has on our side,’’ Hesson said.

‘‘Martin knows this is an important period to get back to 100% so that he can be fully confident when he is on the park.

‘‘The Champions Trophy isn’t far away and we obviously want Martin firing on all cylinders for that tournament.’’ — Reuters