Christchurch, Feb 17 (IANS): New Zealand suffered a blow ahead of the second Test against Australia with fast bowler Doug Bracewell ruled out with a shoulder injury on Wednesday.

The second Test begins here on February 20. Australia won the first Test by an innings and 52 runs at Wellington.

Bracewell did not fly with the team to Christchurch with his teammates on Wednesday after experiencing pain in his right shoulder following New Zealand's innings and 52-run loss to Australia in Wellington.

Subsequent scans revealed a strain to the rotator cuff muscle in his bowling shoulder.

"Doug has been a consistent performer for us this summer and put a lot of work into his game, so to miss out on the final Test against Australia is very disappointing for him and us," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said on Wednesday.

"He’ll be given time to recover and we’ll work with him to get him back training as quickly as possible."

Left-armer Neil Wagner or paceman Matt Henry will likely replace Bracewell for the match at Hagley Oval ground.