New Zealand have been dealt a big blow in the ongoing NZ vs WI Test series, as Matt Henry (calf strain), Nathan Smith (side strain), and Mitchell Santner are ruled out of the remaining matches. Their absence presents a massive dent to the team’s bowling resources going into the second Test in Wellington.
NZ vs WI: Glenn Phillips added to the squad officially
Having earlier joined as a substitute fielder in Christchurch, Glenn Phillips has now been formally added to the Test squad. After proving his fitness in the Plunket Shield and joining the team before the first Test, he is in consideration for a place in the XI for the second Test.
Daryl Mitchell returns to solidify the Middle Order
Daryl Mitchell, who was forced to field as a substitute extensively in the first Test, has been declared available and should come back into his middle-order slot for the second Test.
Mitchell Hay Drafted In; Blundell Sidelined
Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the second Test with a hamstring injury he picked up on day one in Christchurch. In his place, Mitchell Hay has been brought into the squad and could now be in the running for a debut Test appearance.
Kristian Clarke Earns Maiden Test Call-Up
A day after uncapped seamer Michael Rae was included, Northern Districts allrounder Kristian Clarke has also gotten a call-up. With Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke still following return-to-play protocols, New Zealand were forced into last-minute squad adjustments ahead of the Wellington Test starting November 10.
Clarke was withdrawn from ND’s Plunket Shield match, and did not bowl in the final innings. Uncapped at Test level at 24, he recently played in the ODI series against England as a replacement for injured Matt Henry.
Clarke’s Domestic Record and Background
Kristian Clarke has played 27 first-class matches, taking 77 wickets at an average of 33 and scoring 893 runs at 23.50. A capable lower-order batter, he scored his maiden senior century in October during the Ford Trophy.
The Te Awamutu-born allrounder has represented New Zealand A during their tour of Bangladesh, too. He credits his rise to the strong cricketing culture of his hometown.
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Selection Decisions Ahead of the Second Test
With Blair Tickner already in the squad as the reserve seamer, selectors must decide now between Michael Rae and Clarke for a Test debut at the Basin Reserve.
First Test Ends in a Remarkable Draw
The first game of the NZ vs WI series ended in a thrilling draw. West Indies, which was behind by 530 runs, batted 163.3 overs in the final innings, anchored by Justin Greaves’ unbeaten 202 and Shai Hope’s 140.
New Zealand Squad for 2nd Test vs West Indies Tom Latham (capt), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner, Michael Rae, Kristian Clarke
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