Jamieson has been sidelined for almost a year

New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson may be out of action for almost a year due to a 'stress fracture' injury in the spine. Jamieson felt sore after the first Test against South Africa at Mt Manganui.

Hamilton missed the second Test after a scan revealed the injury. Jamieson suffered a spinal injury last year, this time the injury is in the same place but the injury is new. However, the 29-year-old pacer will not undergo surgery this time.

Jamieson, who took 6 wickets in the Mt Manganui Test, said in a statement about his injury, "The last few days have been very challenging for me. But I am grateful for the support my partner, family, teammates and medical team have given me. Injuries are a part of a cricketer's life. I know it. There are many more days to play.'

Later in the press conference, Jamieson said, "We have to face physical challenges as well as mental challenges to recover from this injury. I have a plan on how to recover." I know there are steps I need to take that are mentally challenging. In this case the physical part is easy to handle. The spine needs rest to realign itself. Much like auto pilot.'

Jamieson then breaks down the issue of mental challenges and says, 'The mental challenges are high. It will take several months to recover...it's hard, because no one wants it to happen again. Every time seems like the last time. But I am 6 feet 8 inches tall and try to bowl hard. So I also know that this injury is part of my career. Small cracks in bones are called common 'stress fractures'. Such injuries can be caused by force or overuse of the affected body part, jumping and running long distances.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said Jamieson, 29, will be ruled out for the rest of the season. According to Cricinfo, he may need a year to recover from the injury. In other words, Jamieson is not playing in the two-Test series against Australia from February 29.

"He will undergo a rest and rehabilitation process to recover from the injury," an NZC statement said. New Zealand will announce the squad for the Test series against Australia on Monday.