Astle's knee problem forces him out of one-day series

Fleming will have to make do without Astle in the one-day triangular © AFP

Nathan Astle, one of the heroes of New Zealand's fighting draw in the first Test against India, will be returning home immediately after the second Test in Mohali starting on Thursday. Astle is to have aggravations in his left knee assessed.

The tour is Astle's first since knee surgery after the World Cup earlier in the year. Despite his problems with the knee, and illness, he scored a century and an unbeaten half-century as New Zealand held out the Indian attack. Astle will be replaced for the one-day tri-series by Chris Nevin.

Lindsay Crocker, the New Zealand team manager, said: "Nathan has had some aggravation in his left knee since early in the tour and he is returning home to have the injury examined by a medical specialist. It is difficult to ascertain the exact nature, or extent, of the injury. The Black Caps on-tour medical panel feel it is unlikely he will aggravate the injury further by playing in the second Test.

"However, there would be a greater risk of aggravation of the injury during the triangular tournament because of the more strenuous fielding demands in one-day cricket. The aim of sending him home is to try to ensure he is fit for the home international series against Pakistan and South Africa."

Nevin flew out for India today with four other players who are joining the side for the tri-series, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Brendon McCullum and Kyle Mills.