Dion Nash out of Test series

CLEAR Black Cap all-rounder Dion Nash has been ruled out of rest of the tour of Australia with a torn abdominal muscle and will return to New Zealand at the end of the first Test.

Nash initially strained the abdominal muscle playing the QCA President's XI and was rested for the following match against Queensland.

Nash was then picked for the first Test after passing a fitness test and bowling well in the nets.

Manager Jeff Crowe said everyone involved with the team is bitterly disappointed, particularly for Nash who had only recently returned to the side after a back injury.

"Dion has worked incredibly hard to get over his back injury and to strengthen it so he could come back and play to the best of his ability for his country," said Crowe.

"For him to be ruled out of the tour with a totally unrelated injury is extremely frustrating."

Crowe said Nash's abdominal injury was aggravated while fielding.

"The injury reoccurred when he dived at full stretch while fielding during the afternoon of the 2nd day of the Test."

Canterbury fast-bowler Shane Bond has been called into the squad to replace Nash and will fly to Australia today to join the CLEAR Black Caps.