Cricket: Scott Kuggeleijn replaces Trent Boult in Black Caps test squad

Scott Kuggeleijn bowling for Northern Districts against Canterbury. Photo/Photosport

Northern Districts all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn, who was last month cleared of rape charges in Hamilton District Court, has been called up as an injury replacement for Trent Boult for this weekend's test against South Africa.

Boult has had to withdraw from the match at Hamilton's Seddon Park, after failing to recover from the groin niggle that kept him out of the second test in Wellington.

"Trent did everything possible to get himself ready for this test and is extremely disappointed to be missing out," said Black Caps selector Gavin Larsen.

"While he has made good progress, after training yesterday, we spoke with medical staff and it was agreed that Trent required a little further time to be ready for the demands of test cricket.

"Scott will come in as cover, having consistently finished as one of the top wicket-takers in the Plunket Shield in recent seasons."

Boult's withdrawal comes less than 24 hours after that of fellow bowling ace Tim Southee with a hamstring injury and severely tests New Zealand's pace bowling stocks, as they attempt to salvage a series draw against South Africa.

Larsen hinted that Neil Wagner and Matt Henry were likely to lead the attack in the absence of Boult and Southee.

"Not having Trent or Tim available fests the depth of our squad, but we're confident of the job that Neil and Matt can do for us.

Kuggeleijn, who has not previously played for the Black Caps, but has represented New Zealand A, was accused of raping a woman in her bed in May 2015.

But after a two-year battle to clear his name, Kuggeleijn, 25, received the "not guilty" verdict on February 24, with the jury spending less than an hour in deliberation.

With the court case hanging over his head, he had continued to play for Northern Districts this summer.

In 51 first-class matches, he has scored three centuries with an average of 30.98 runs, while taking 166 wickets with a best of 6-60.

"One thing I will say, I've been incredibly impressed with Scott and the way he has handled himself, on and off the park, with all that's gone on," Larsen told Radio Sport's Martin Devlin.

"He's a resilient man and, [if selected] I think he'll do the job and will be focused."