Kanpur, (Uttar Pradesh), [India], Sept 26 : New Zealand off-spinner Mark Craig has been ruled out of the ongoing three- Test series against India with a side strain, head coach Mike Hesson has confirmed.

The 29-year-old sustained the injury to his left side while bowling in the second innings of the opening Test in Kanpur, although he will be available to bat.

Jeetan Patel, who last played for the Test side in 2013, has been summoned to the squad as Craig's replacement for the remaining two matches.

"We're really disappointed for Mark, knowing the work he's put in to prepare for this series. He started well with the ball in the first innings, before developing the side strain," Hesson was quoted as saying by blackcaps.co.nz.

According to Hesson, the injured off-spinner would require at least four weeks to fully recover.

The second match of the series will start in Kolkata on Friday. (ANI)