Tuffey in doubt for rest of tour, Drum to act as cover

New Zealand Cricket's injury curse has struck again with Daryl Tuffey the victim this time.

The big fast bowler who made such a fine impression last year when required to fill in for more experienced bowlers who had injury problems, has had a long wait for a Test opportunity on this tour but has suffered a strained hamstring and is to be covered by Auckland pace bowler Chris Drum.

Drum will fly to Perth tomorrow to be cover for the CLEAR Black Caps in Perth for the third Test.

While Drum will be contesting a Test place with the more favoured Chris Martin it is reward for Drum who impressed last year before suffering a cruel broken collarbone when fielding during the second Test against Pakistan at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

New Zealand manager Jeff Crowe said it was a sad blow for Tuffey.

"Daryl's been waiting for his chance on this tour and I have to say I really feel for the guy," he said.

The selectors preferred Chris Drum over Wellington's James Franklin because of his ability to bowl into the wind.

New Zealand's chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee, who is in Hobart, said: "If required we think Chris Drum, rather than James Franklin, is the better option for bowling extended spells into the wind.

"In Perth the wind tends to blow down the ground."

Tuffey will not bowl again in the second Test and will most likely require a runner when batting.

His injury will be reassessed tomorrow and a decision will then be made as to whether he is fit enough to be in contention to play in the third Test.

If not, he will return home at the end of this Test.