Awkward drive ruled Tuffey out of third Test © Getty Images Enlarge

Daryl Tuffey has pulled out of the third Test against South Africa, which starts at Wellington on Friday (March 26), because of a large bruise on his left upper thigh. Lindsay Crocker, New Zealand Cricket's general manager, explained that the injury occurred while Tuffey was fielding on the first day of the ongoing second Test, at Auckland.

"Daryl injured himself in the field when he was attempting to prevent a boundary," said Crocker. "He dived and landed very awkwardly, and has been having ongoing difficulties with his leg since then. Unfortunately, the bruising has become quite severe and it has got to the point where it is unlikely he will participate further in this match."

The injury will require physiotherapy, and Tuffey will go into a rehabilitation programme under the direction of NZC's medical panel. "Daryl will also receive treatment for the injury to his left knee which has been aggravating him for some time," said Crocker. "The programme he will undertake is intended to enable him to be fit for consideration for selection for the team for the UK tour, which departs on April 27."

The team for the third Test will be named on Monday.