New Zealand without Jimmy Neesham against India

New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been ruled out of the first Test against India due to a rib injury.

Neesham did not bat in either innings and bowled just five overs in the Black Caps' tour match against Mumbai in Delhi, which finished on Sunday, after he took a blow in the nets last Thursday.

The 26-year-old had not featured for his country since the Test series against Australia last November as he had been struggling with a back injury and will play no part in the first Test versus Virat Kohli's side, which starts on Thursday.

New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson said: "Jimmy was struck in the nets and has been in discomfort the last few days. It will take a few days for the bruising to go away, but it's very much a short-term injury."

Neesham is expected to be back in contention for the second of three Tests, which gets under way next Friday.