New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling has suffered a knee sprain and will remain of action for around three weeks. The injury would also keep Watling out of the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia, starting Friday on January 30 in Auckland.
The news was confirmed by the New Zealand cricket, as Watling’s condition is said to be monitored by the medical staff of the side for an extended period, and now he’ll be needing rest and rehabilitation to come back into his groove.
The 31-year-old would eye a return in the Plunkett Shield match between Northern Districts and Otago from February 25 in Whangarei. The wicket-keeper, however, is expected to be a part of the Kiwi side in the three-match Test series against South Africa, which commences March 8 in Dunedin.
It’s been a while since Watling has taken hold of the permanent wicket-keeper spot in the New Zealand team. He has travelled with the side to India and Australia last year too. So far, he has featured in 49 Tests and has scored 2565 runs.
Watling also has 157 dismissals behind the stumps to his name, which is the fourth-highest by a New Zealand keeper.