Jesse Ryder and Doug Bracewell have been left out of the New Zealand squad for the second Test, beginning in Wellington on February 14.
Both are facing an investigation for a late night out at a bar here, the day before the first Test on February 6.
The replacements for the two, in a squad of 13, are likely to be announced on Tuesday.
Bracewell is out with a foot injury after the incident while Ryder has notched up a century for Otago in the Plunket Shield.
Making the team-management’s stance clear, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said, “We need to make sure that all players prepare themselves accordingly for Test cricket. At the moment we don’t have the confidence (in Ryder and Bracewell), that’s the case. Grown up individuals have to make their own decisions.”
Hesson, however, said the investigation would have to run its full course. “It’s important we don’t jump to conclusions before knowing the full facts.”
Controversies are not new to either Ryder or Bracewell. The duo was dropped from the ODI squad after a late night adventure following the ODI against South Africa in Napier, 2012.
Bracewell has also run into disciplinary issues with Central Districts. Ryder’s battles with alcoholism are well known. He was also handed a six-month ban for consuming a banned substance.
