Injury to Brooke Walker another example of Kiwi curse of 2000/01

National sporting medical statistics should make interesting reading whenever they are next compiled.

Traditionally, it is the contact sports of rugby and league that have topped the lists for injuries received by New Zealanders.

But such has been the fall out rate of New Zealand's leading cricketers this summer, there should be some movement on the cricket place in the scale.

Not that it is a record to be proud of.

Auckland leg spinner Brooke Walker barely had time to get used to his recall to the CLEAR Black Caps for the second Test starting in Hamilton on Tuesday before he put his shoulder out while bowling in a club match in Auckland.

It was the latest in a long saga of events which has crippled the New Zealand team and prevented it having a full strength team on the field at any stage this summer.

The chairman of New Zealand's selectors, Sir Richard Hadlee, said the injury sustained by Walker was incredibly unlucky and very disappointing for all involved.

"I understand that Brooke popped his shoulder while bowling for Howick-Pakuranga in Auckland yesterday. It was incredibly unlucky and very frustrating for Brooke, the team and the selection panel.

"The selectors have recalled Grant Bradburn. Grant had no luck in the second Test and struggled on the Jade Stadium pitch, however WestpacTrust Park is his home ground and he will know what he needs to do on that wicket."