Jacobs ruled out of second T20I, Clarke called in as cover

Jacobs ruled out of second T20I, Clarke called in as cover

Bevon Jacobs, the New Zealand middle-order batter, has been ruled out of the second T20I against South Africa due to an injury to his left knee. Uncapped Katene Clarke will join the squad as cover.

The 23-year-old Jacobs fell on his left knee while fielding in the first T20I in Mount Maunganui and left the ground. Scans revealed bone bruising on the side of his knee. "Further assessment is required to determine Jacobs' return-to-play timeline," New Zealand Cricket said.

Clarke showcased good form in Northern Districts' title-winning campaign in the Super Smash, where he finished as the highest run-getter. The 26-year-old right-handed opener scored 431 runs in nine innings, including a century against Otago and three fifties, at an average of 61.57 and a strike rate of 171.71.

The second T20I will be played in Hamilton on Tuesday (March 17). South Africa won the first match by seven wickets.