NZ vs SL: New Zealand Pacer Neil Wagner Ruled Out Of 2nd Test Against Sri Lanka
Mar 12, 2023 at 3:18 PM
Star New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka with a bulging disc in his back and a torn right hamstring. The 36-year-old suffered a hamstring and back injury while on the field during Day 3 and Although he failed the fitness test ahead of day four, he would still be available to bat if needed on Day 5.
In a statement released by New Zealand Cricket Board, Neil Wagner has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka after a scan today revealed he has a bulging disc in his back and a torn right hamstring. Wagner felt pain on Day 3 at Hagley and the scan today revealed the extent of his injuries.
UPDATE | Neil Wagner has been ruled out of the second Dulux Test against Sri Lanka after a scan today revealed he has a bulging disc in his back and a torn right hamstring. Wagner felt pain on Day 3 at Hagley and the scan today revealed the extent of his injuries. #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/P2GMOSaOr3
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 12, 2023
Wagner felt pain in his right leg while bowling on day three of the first Test against Sri Lanka, and was taken for scans, which showed the injuries, with an estimated recovery time of six weeks.
Speaking to the media after the day’s play Gary Stead said: “We all know how much playing Test cricket for New Zealand means to Neil and we are all disappointed to see him side-lined like this, The fact he was still hoping to play on, carrying these injuries shows you just how determined he is to try and give his all for the team.”
Sri Lanka managed to reach 302 in their second innings with Angelo Mathews scoring a terrific hundred in the 2nd innings, with a target of 285 runs Kiwis lost Devon Conway cheaply in the chase, and New Zealand still require 257 runs on the final day to win the Test with nine wickets still in hand.
Neil Wagner Is One Toughest Bowler In Red Ball Cricket – Brendon McCullum
England’s Red-ball coach Brendon McCullum praised his fellow countrymen Wagner as one of the toughest bowlers in red-ball cricket. New Zealand scripted an epic win over England to draw the series 1-1. The Black Caps won the historic match by 1 run on the last day of the second test.
Former New Zealand skipper McCullum lauded Neil Wagner for his terrific bowling in the 2nd innings where he picked up 4 wickets including all-important wickets of Joe Root and Ben Stokes.
England dominated the series and New Zealand came back well in the last two days with an excellent century from Kane Williamson and a fantastic bowling effort from the bowlers to defend the total in the 4th innings.