Cricket: Mills returns to New Zealand

Kyle Mills. Photo / Sarah Ivey

New Zealand bowler Kyle Mills will miss next week's one-off test with Zimbabwe and return to New Zealand following an injury to his abductor muscle.

Mills picked up the injury in last week's first one-dayer and will undergo further scans on his return.

He will not be replaced after team management decided they had sufficient resources in.

Mills is one of the Black Caps' main strike weapons and his absence compounds the absence of Tim Southee, who missed the tour with a knee injury.

"Initially it was thought to be a strain but a scan has shown a slight tear to his abductor muscle,'' New Zealand manager Mike Sandle said.

"Clearly it is disappointing for Kyle who was looking forward to making a return to the test team. We wish him a speedy recovery and are hopeful he will be available for selection for the upcoming test series against Australia.''

The Blacks Caps won the one-day series 2-1, but they won't be happy after letting slip a strong position in the final one-dayer to hand Zimbabwe some confidence and momentum heading into the longer version of the game.

New Zealand team (from): Ross Taylor (c), Graeme Aldridge, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Jesse Ryder, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Andy McKay, Jeetan Patel, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, Reece Young.