New Zealand batsman Taylor ruled out of South Africa tour

Harare, Aug 7 - New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has been sidelined from the ongoing Zimbabwe tour and their subsequent South Africa tour after undergoing a minor operation for a groin injury.

Taylor was hit near the groin during practice, a day before the third One-Day International (ODI) here on Friday and will miss the remaining two ODIs against the hosts. He was operated upon on Thursday.

He is also set to miss the two T20 internationals and three ODIs against South Africa, reports espncricinfo.com on Friday.

A New Zealand Cricket release said that with 16 players in the squad there will be no replacement needed for Taylor.

James Neesham took the batsman's place in New Zealand's playing team for the third ODI against Zimbabwe.

(IANS)