Just two days ahead of the beginning of the Test series between New Zealand and India, the Kiwi left-arm pacer Neil Wagner is doubtful for the first Test. The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has named a cover for him.
India will end the ongoing tour in New Zealand with the two-match Test series, which will begin on 21st February. Basin Reserve (Wellington) will host the first Test of the series and the second game of the series will be played at Hagley Oval (Christchurch). This Test series will be part of the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship.
On Monday (17th February), the NZC announced a 13-member squad for the forthcoming home Test series against India.
The 33-year-old left-arm pacer Neil Wagner has been initially expected to take part in the training session on Thursday (20th February) morning, just one day ahead of the first Test. However, along with his wife, the Kiwi pacer is awaiting the birth of his first child. So, he hasn’t joined the squad yet.
Matt Henry has been included in the Test squad as the cover for Neil Wagner
The board has named the 28-year-old right-arm pacer Matt Henry as the cover for Neil Wagner. While Wagner is a crucial member of the present New Zealand Test side with the experience of 47 Tests, Henry has played 12 Tests. In the last calendar year, Wagner was the most Test wicket-taker for New Zealand (43 wickets).
Matt Henry has been called into the BLACKCAPS Test squad as cover for Neil Wagner who is awaiting the birth of his child. Henry will arrive in Wellington this evening. #NZvIND
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 19, 2020
In the recent update, the NZC has confirmed that Neil Wagner will not be joining the national team ahead of the Wellington Test as he will remain with his wife until the birth of their first child. Meanwhile, Matt Henry will join the squad on Wednesday night (19th February).
Neil Wagner will not be joining the squad in Wellington ahead of the first Test as he and his wife Lana await the birth of their first child. Wagner will remain in Tauranga until the birth. Matt Henry joins the squad tonight as cover. #NZvIND
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 19, 2020
However, in the absence of Neil Wagner, the 25-year-old Kyle Jamieson has the high chance to make his Test debut during the Wellington Test. During the recent three-match home ODI series against India, the right-arm pacer made his international debut and impressed with his performances. In his debutant ODI, Jamieson won the Player of the Match award for his game-changing all-round performances.
New Zealand Test squad for the home series against India (updated): Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry.