KANPUR: Indian pace bowler Ishant Sharma was on Tuesday ruled out of the first Test against New Zealand after contracting the mosquito-borne disease chikungunya.

“Ishant Sharma is recovering from chikungunya and will not be available for the first Test match,” coach Anil Kumble told reporters in Kanpur, where the opening Test starts on Thursday.

Kumble said a replacement has not been sought for Sharma in the 15-member squad that includes three other fast bowlers — Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav.

Some 14,600 cases of the illness that causes high fever and joint pain have been recorded across the country so far this year.

Meanwhile, New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has also been ruled out of the first Test after being hit in the ribs by a ball while batting in the nets.

Neesham, who was recalled for the tour after suffering back pain while bowling last year, would be available for the second Test, coach Mike Hesson said on Tuesday.

“It will take a few days for the bruising to go away, but it’s very much a short-term injury,” Hesson said. “Jimmy won’t be available for selection in Kanpur, but we expect him to be back to full fitness ahead of the second Test.”

Published in Dawn September 21st, 2016