Black Caps’ medical staff working overtime

Ross Taylor is likely to be fit to lead New Zealand in the third one-day international against Sri Lanka on Tuesday but doubt surrounds team-mates Andrew Ellis and Brendon McCullum.

Taylor and Ellis were admitted to hospital for rehydration treatment following New Zealand’s 14-run loss in the rain-affected second ODI at Pallekele on Sunday.

The pair complained of stomach pain and showed symptoms of gastroenteritis. Ellis left the ground midway through the match while captain Taylor played on in discomfort, top-scoring with 72 and then staying on the field during Sri Lanka’s shortened run chase.

Afterwards the pair showed further signs of dehydration, prompting treatment at a local hospital.

A team statement said Taylor was expected to be fit for the third ODI at Pallekele as New Zealand seek to turn around a 1-0 deficit in the five-match series. The availability of allrounder Ellis was less clear.

Pace bowler Adam Milne was unavailable for the tour-opening Twenty20 match and first ODI due to a stomach bug.

Meanwhile, a recurrence of back pain for McCullum is also causing concern.

McCullum pulled out of Sunday’s match after suffering a pre-game “flare up” and coach Mike Hesson said swelling in the key batsman’s back would need to improve before he could be cleared to play.

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