Neesham out of first India Test

Wellington - New Zealand allrounder Jimmy Neesham will miss the first Test against India with a rib injury, coach Mike Hesson said Tuesday.

Hesson said Neesham suffered a blow during training last week which limited his involvement in the drawn tour game against Mumbai in New Delhi.

"Jimmy was struck in the nets and has been in discomfort the last few days," he said.

"It will take a few days for the bruising to go away, but it's very much a short-term injury."

While Neesham is sidelined for the first Test beginning on Thursday in Kanpur, Hesson was confident he would return for the rest of the three-Test series.

The Blacks Caps have already lost strike bowler Tim Southee for the series with an injured ankle, calling in Matt Henry as a replacement.