Wellington, Dec 8 (UNI) New Zealand suffered a major setback after confirming pacer Matt Henry and Nathan Smith, along with all-rounder Mitchell Santner, have been ruled out of the remaining two Tests against the West Indies.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, Henry (calf) and Smith (side strain) picked up injuries during the opening Test in Christchurch, which ended in a draw. Santner, meanwhile, has not fully recovered from a groin issue and will also miss the rest of the series.
The crisis deepened further with first-choice wicketkeeper Tom Blundell sidelined for the second Test due to a hamstring injury sustained on day one of the first Test. New Zealand is expected to hand a debut to keeper-batter Mitch Hay, while all-rounder Glenn Phillips may feature as he returns from his own injury concerns.
New Zealand’s bowling combinations will also require a reshuffle in the absence of Henry and Smith. Back-up pacer Blair Tickner is almost certain to play in Wellington, while uncapped fast bowlers Michael Rae and Kristian Clarke have been added to the squad.
Rae, who has impressed domestically for Canterbury and shares similarities with tall seamer Kyle Jamieson, is seen as a strong contender. Clarke has been in good rhythm for Northern Districts.
Jamieson himself has only recently resumed red-ball cricket after a long back injury layoff and will not be rushed. Ben Sears, currently playing club cricket in Australia, remains unavailable for selection.
New Zealand will hope their restructured attack can offer greater penetration after the injuries to Smith and Henry allowed the West Indies to bat through the entire fifth day in Christchurch to salvage an unexpected draw.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Injury crisis leaves New Zealand weakened for West Indies Tests
