New Zealand performed good in the first Test against West Indies. But West Indies with Shai Hope and Justin Greaves was too good to level the match. Ahead of the next game, New Zealand cricket team faced multiple injury problems.
Injury hit New Zealand hard
Before the start of the second Test against the West Indies, the New Zealand team is in turmoil. The disruption stems from the exclusion of four players. The question now is what suddenly happened to the New Zealand team that led to the simultaneous exclusion of four players. Three of them were part of New Zealand’s playing eleven in the first Test in Christchurch.
The reason for the exclusion of all four New Zealand players is the same. They all suffered injuries. The players ruled out of the second Test include Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Mitchell Santner, and Tom Blundell. All four players have injuries, but their nature varies. Matt Henry has a hamstring injury, Nathan Smith has a side injury, and Santner has a groin injury. Tom Blundell , like Henry, has a hamstring injury.
These 2 players joined the team
The New Zealand Cricket Board had already announced Mitchell Hay as a replacement for the injured Tom Blundell. Now, it has announced that fast bowler Christian Clarke will also join the team ahead of the second Test. Both players lack Test experience. Christian Clarke has not yet represented the New Zealand team in any format.
Second Test from December 10
However, given the sudden shortage of players in the New Zealand team due to injuries, it appears that both Mitchell Hay and Christian Clarke could make their debuts in the second Test against the West Indies . The second Test between New Zealand and the West Indies is scheduled to be played in Wellington from December 10th. The first Test between the two teams, played in Christchurch, ended in a draw. This means that both teams still have a chance to win the three-Test series.