In a severe blow to New Zealand, Chris Cairns has been ruled out of the rest of the Test series against England after his knee injury was deemed too serious for him to return. Cairns suffered tendon damage to his right knee on the opening day of the first Test at Christchurch. He bowled only four over during England's second innings, and took no part at all in the third day's play, although he returned to partner Nathan Astle in their remarkable last-wicket stand.

England had an injury worry of their own. Mark Butcher was taken to hospital for precautionary X-rays after damaging his right thumb taking a catch to dismiss Lou Vincent during the morning session.

The results confirmed he had suffered a slight crack, but specialists advised that the injury should be treated as soft tissue damage, which should allow him to play at Wellington next week.

"I'm hopeful of playing," said Butcher. "It's painful and swollen but we'll see how big it is tomorrow."

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