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New Zealand lose Henry, Santner, and Smith for the remainder of WI series
New Zealand lose Henry, Santner, and Smith for the remainder of WI series
New Zealand suffered a big blow ahead of the home Test series against the West Indies. Fast bowler Matt Henry, all-rounder Nathan Smith, and spinner Mitchell Santner have all been ruled out of the remaining matches. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell was already sidelined from the second Test in Wellington after injuring his hamstring.
Uncapped seamer Michael Rae was added to the squad earlier, and now seam-bowling allrounder Kristian Clarke has also been called up. With Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke still following “return to play” protocols, New Zealand had to make last-minute changes before the Wellington Test, which starts on November 10. Both Rae and Clarke were withdrawn from the Plunket Shield to join the Test squad.
Clarke, 24, is yet to play a Test but was part of the ODI series against England earlier this year as a replacement for Henry. He has played 27 first-class matches, taking 77 wickets at an average of 33 and scoring 893 runs at an average of 23.5. He also scored his maiden century in the Ford Trophy against Central Districts. Clarke comes from Te Awamutu in the Waikato region, where he grew up playing cricket. His brother Matti has also played at the domestic level.
Blair Tickner, who was the reserve seamer in the first Test, is also in contention for the Wellington match. There could be a choice between Rae and Clarke for a possible Test debut at the Basin Reserve.
In better news, middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell is set to return for the second Test after missing the first. Glenn Phillips, who showed his fitness in the Plunket Shield and fielded in the first Test, could also be considered for selection.
The opening Test ended in a draw. West Indies, chasing a huge deficit of 530 runs, held on for 163.3 overs. Justin Greaves scored an unbeaten 202, while Shai Hope added 140, helping their team survive and deny New Zealand victory.