Black Caps v West Indies: Tom Blundell out of second test as New Zealand handed another injury blow

By Alex Powell at Hagley Oval

The Black Caps have been dealt another injury blow before day three of the first test against the West Indies in Christchurch.

After receiving treatment on the field on day one for a hamstring issue, wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the second test of the series, beginning in Wellington next week.

Blundell, 35, took no part in day two of the first test, and instead received a scan on his hamstring at Christchurch Hospital.

Those scans have found Blundell suffered a hamstring tear, and while he will not keep wicket for the rest of the first test, he will bat - if required by the Black Caps. It is hoped Blundell will be fit for the series finale at Mt Maunganui’s Bay Oval.

Captain Tom Latham deputised for Blundell with the gloves on day two, as the Black Caps bowled the West Indies out for 167, and will continue to do so for the remainder of the first test.

Canterbury’s wicketkeeper, Mitch Hay, is almost certain to make his test debut at the Basin Reserve, after he was called into the Black Caps’ squad as Blundell’s replacement.

While Latham could, in theory, continue keeping wicket at the top of the order, Hay’s inclusion would be the least disruptive option - and avoid asking the captain to open the batting, wear the gloves, on top of leading the side.

So far, Hay has played One-Day International and T20 cricket for the Black Caps. The 25-year-old has played seven ODIs, and averages 41.50 with the bat, thanks to a high-score of 99 not out against Pakistan.

At first-class level, Hay boasts a strong batting record, with 1888 from 28 matches at an average of just under 50, with one century and 17 half-centuries, to go with 81 dismissals with the gloves.

Blundell’s absence comes after the pair of Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner were ruled out on day one, having both failed fitness tests for respective groin injuries.

Their absences add to Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson currently working their way back to red ball fitness after injuries earlier this year, while Will O’Rourke has also missed the entirety of New Zealand’s home summer to date after a stress fracture in his back during the Black Caps’ victory over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

Mitchell, however, was able to act as 12th man for the Black Caps on day two, and fielded at slip as Latham moved behind the stumps.

New Zealand will name their 14-man squad for the second test at a later date.

Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.