Black Caps trio Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner have been ruled out of the remainder of the test series against West Indies, forcing New Zealand coach Rob Walter to reshuffle his side for the second test.
Northern Districts bowler Kristian Clarke will join the test squad in Wellingtonthis morning before the second test, which starts on Wednesday, joining Canterbury fast bowler Michael Rae who was called into the squad yesterday.
Henry (calf strain) and Smith (side strain) were injured during the first test draw in Christchurch as the Black Caps had to rely on only two pace bowlers to chase victory.
In response, an unbeaten 202 from Justin Greaves, 140 from Shai Hope and 58 not out from tailender Kemar Roach blunted New Zealand, before a draw was called.
That leaves an available fast-bowling stock of Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes, who did the heavy load of work in the fourth innings at Hagley Oval, along with 12th man Blair Tickner, Rae and Clarke.
The Black Caps come into the series without Will O’Rourke (back stress fracture) while Kyle Jamieson played in the white-ball matches against West Indies, but is not ready for the longer form.
Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell was already ruled out of the second test after he suffered a tear to his right hamstring while batting on day one in Christchurch. Mitchell Hay was called into the squad and is expected to make his debut at the Basin Reserve.
All-rounder Daryl Mitchell could return after failing a fitness test in Christchurch, but still spent four days as a sub fielder. The same for Glenn Phillips who also spent time on the field at Hagley Oval.
