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Sydney - Paceman Peter Siddle has been ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand with back trouble, Cricket Australia said on Thursday, with James Pattinson a likely replacement.
Siddle was troubled by back spasms during the final day of Australia's crushing innings and 52 run trouncing of the Black Caps in the first Test in Wellington and had been in doubt for the second Test starting in Christchurch on Saturday.
"Peter experienced some discomfort in his back during the first Test in Wellington and has not recovered sufficiently enough to play the Test," team physiotherapist David Beakley said in a statement.
"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."
Jackson Bird was preferred as the third fast bowler in Wellington while Pattinson was given more time to recover from a shin injury he picked up in last month's home Test series against the West Indies.
