Trent Boult ruled out of remainder of Australia tour after fracturing hand

The Blackcaps seamer missed the first Test with a rib injury and will fly home with metacarpal damage after the Melbourne Test

New Zealand will be forced to play out a second successive Test with a depleted pace attack after Trent Boult suffered a fracture to his right hand against Australia in Melbourne.

The seamer picked up the injury after being struck on the hand by Mitchell Starc while batting on the third day of the Boxing Day fixture. After his side was dismissed for 148 in response to Australia's first-innings total of 467, Boult managed nine wicketless overs before the close of play, but a statement from New Zealand Cricket confirmed the damage would end his tour.

"Trent Boult will return home to New Zealand following the 2nd Test after suffering a fracture to the second-metacarpal of his right hand while batting on day three," the statement read.

"He will require around four weeks of rehabilitation. A replacement player will be confirmed in due course."

Boult had only returned to the side for the game after missing the opening Test in Perth while recovering from the injured rib that also kept him out of the second Test against England in Hamilton late last month.

The 30-year-old came back into the XI as a direct replacement for Lockie Ferguson, whose Test debut in Perth lasted just 11 overs on the opening morning before picking up a tour-ending calf strain.

^{Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry will be among the candidates for Boult's spot in the XI for January's final Test in Sydney}

The Blackcaps had previously called up uncapped Auckland quick Kyle Jamieson to the touring party to replace Ferguson, while Matt Henry remains with the squad having previously deputised for Boult in Hamilton.

"It's obviously gutting news for Trent as well as our group." commented opener Tom Latham.

"To have someone like that ruled out with his injury is obviously disappointing, so we'll have to wait and see who the replacement is over the next few days.

"I'm sure whoever will come in will be up for the task."

Australia currently lead the World Test Championship clash 1-0 after victory in Perth, and wickets from Neil Wagner and Mitchell Santner were not enough to prevent the hosts from extending their lead to 456 going into the fourth day at the MCG.

The teams will move on to Sydney in the new year for the third and final Test, before the Blackcaps return home to host India in five T20 internationals, three ODIs and two Tests, starting at Eden Park on January 24.

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