New Delhi: New Zealand and the West Indies are set to face off in the second Test of their series, scheduled to begin on December 10 in Wellington. However, the Kiwis are grappling with significant setbacks following injuries sustained by both Matt Henry and Nathan Smith during the first Test in Christchurch.
In light of these injuries, the New Zealand team has made adjustments to their squad. Uncapped pacer Michael Rae has received his first call-up to the Black Caps. Rae, alongside Blair Tickner, will be in contention to join the playing XI, as the injuries have considerably weakened the team’s pace options. Rae, 30, most recently played in the second round of the Plunket Shield for Canterbury, where he took 3 wickets for 65 runs in the first innings. He will aim to replicate this performance if he is included in the upcoming Test.
Michael Rae’s Domestic Performance:
Michael Rae has participated in 69 first-class matches, amassing 205 wickets at an average of 33.06, including three five-wicket hauls. Additionally, he has experience in international cricket, having played for Warwickshire in county cricket, where he secured 14 wickets at an average of 30.28.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is also keeping track of Kyle Jamieson’s rehabilitation. Jamieson recently returned to action in the Plunket Shield for the ongoing round. According to New Zealand bowling coach Jacob Oram, “I’d say he’s doubtful [for red-ball cricket] given he is going through more of a white-ball stepping stone over in club cricket in Melbourne. Just to get him some cricket on grass, good facilities, and a good training environment around him, which he’s got over there with a contact we had internally here. Speaking to Ben the other day, I know that he’s feeling really good about his bowling but the Test series will be a bridge too far for sure,” as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
