Sidmouth are going to be without Kiwi fast bowler Andrew Mathieson for the next couple of matches as he has been called into the New Zealand one-day squad currently playing against England, writes Conrad Sutcliffe..

Mathieson, Sidmouth’s overseas player this summer as they attempt to retain the Premier Division title they won last term, was one of the leading bowlers one-day cricket in New Zealand last winter.

The former New Zealand U19 international played for Central Districts in the 50-over Ford Trophy, where he took 31 wickets at an average of 18.58. The next best was the 19 taken by Auckland’s Mike Bates.

The Black Caps have a bowling vacancy in the squad as Trent Boult has been ruled out for the rest of the tour with a back problem.

Boult, 25, was left out of the New Zealand side that beat England at the Rose Bowl yesterday and is to fly home for more tests and treatment.

New Zealand have already lost fast bowler Adam Milne and all-rounder Corey Anderson to injuries, so needed reinforcements.

Mathieson was put on standby on Sunday and told this morning to travel up to Nottingham to meet up with the Black Caps squad preparing for the fourth ODI against England.

“We have been told not to expect him back for the next two weeks, which rules him out against North Devon this Saturday and Exeter the following week,” said Sidmouth captain Will Murray.

“North Devon is a big game as they are second and we are third – but it could be worse!

“They are in a similar position as England called up Craig Overton over the weekend, which means he can’t help North Devon against us!

“We are going to miss Andrew over the next few weeks, but it is a magnificent opportunity for him and we hope he gets a game.

“If England lose in Nottingham it will be a dead rubber and I hope New Zealand will give Andrew a go in the last game if he hasn’t played already.”