Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the second Tegel Test v the West Indies starting tomorrow Wednesday 10 December at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
Canterbury’s Mitchell Hay is set to be the first wicket-keeper to make a Test debut for New Zealand since 2017.
Speaking on Hay, Walter said.
“Mitch is a young cricketer who’s already contributed well to the white-ball side. He also has an excellent record at First-Class level with Canterbury.
“Having him come into a Test squad is a great moment in his career and we’re really excited to see him play his part.”
Two other potential debutants in Kristian Clarke and Michael Rae have been named in the 14-man squad for the second test.
Speaking on the new bowlers, BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter said.
“Kristian and Michael are both identified players of interest with great ability, and have both been good performers for their domestic sides over the past few years.
“They both have good skill with the red-ball, and there’s a great opportunity for them to show that skill for us at the highest level of the game.”
The BLACKCAPS will be bolstered by the return of Glenn Phillips for the second Tegel Test Match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
After recovering from a groin injury, Phillips played the first two Plunket Shield fixtures for Otago, scoring 130 runs at an average of 43, and taking nine wickets at an average of 33.
Kyle Jamieson is continuing his red-ball return-to-play plan, playing the recent Plunket Shield match for Canterbury against the Central Stags, and will continue to work closely with BLACKCAPS coaching staff on his return to the Test side.
A playing XI will be announced at the toss at 10:30am on day one of the second Tegel Test Match at the Basin Reserve on Wednesday 10 December.
BLACKCAPS Test Squad | Second Tegel Test v West Indies
Tom Latham (c) – Canterbury
Michael Bracewell – Wellington Firebirds
Kristian Clarke* – Northern Districts
Devon Conway – Wellington Firebirds
Jacob Duffy – Otago Volts
Zak Foulkes – Canterbury
Mitchell Hay* – Canterbury
Daryl Mitchell – Canterbury
Glenn Phillips – Otago Volts
Rachin Ravindra – Wellington Firebirds
Michael Rae* – Canterbury
Blair Tickner – Central Stags
Kane Williamson – Northern Districts
Will Young – Central Stags
*uncapped Test player.
Not considered for selection due to injury:
Matt Henry (calf), Nathan Smith (side), Tom Blundell (hamstring), Mitchell Santner (groin), Will O’Rourke (back), Matt Fisher (shin)
