Picture Credit: X
New Zealand Cricket on Monday, March 4 announced their update squad for the second Test against Australia. The Trans-Tasman rivalry will reignite as the two sides take on from March 8 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Ahead of the final Test of the multi-format tour, the Blackcaps have named some changes in the side.
With Will O’Rourke sustaining a hamstring injury and thus being ruled out of the Test series, the Blackcaps have named Wellington uncapped fast bowler Ben Sears as his replacement. With this update, veteran Kiwi bowler Neil Wagner’s comeback from retirement have also been put to hold.
“Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of this week’s second Tegel Test against Australia in Christchurch with uncapped pace-bowler Ben Sears replacing him in the squad,” New Zealand Cricket’s statement on X read.
Moreover, New Zealand coach Gary Stead also dismissed the speculations of Neil Wagner’s return, calling Sears inclusion as a “like for like” replacement. “Ben’s a young bowler with a quality skill set. He bowls with genuine pace and gets good bounce which is always a great asset in red ball cricket,” Gary Stead said as quoted in Blackcaps statement.
Speaking of Wagner, he was released from the squad as planned ahead of the team resembling in Christchurch. Addressing the media after speculations of Neil Wagner’s return, Gary Stead added, “Neil had a fitting send-off last night with the team. They celebrated everything he’s done, and Neil was happy with the decision of where he’s got to around that as well.”
Moreover, with Devon Conway also ruled out, New Zealand Cricket has decided to stay with Canterbury batter Henry Nicholls. The 32-year-old was initially called in as cover for the first Test.
New Zealand squad for second Test against Australia:
Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
