Neesham ruled out of Australia tour

Wellington - All-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been ruled out of New Zealand's cricket tour of Australia because of continuing back pain.

Neesham appeared uncomfortable bowling in both Australia's first innings in the first test at Brisbane in which he took 1-50 and in the second when he took 0-61.

Fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has been called into the New Zealand squad as Neesham's replacement and is likely to make his test debut in the second test at Perth.

Coach Mike Hesson said Neesham had "worked hard to get back to fitness following his injury earlier this year but at this stage still experiences discomfort when bowling extended loads."

New Zealand has already been forced to call seamer Neil Wagner into its squad as cover for Tim Southee who suffered a back injury in the first innings at the Gabba.