As Many As Six New Zealand Players Are Set To Miss The Third Round Of Plunket Shield:

The third round of the Plunket Shield is expected to lose as many as six New Zealand players, creating questions ahead of the squad selection for the coming international summer.

Perhaps the health of the bowling unit would be the most important thing for the selection committee. All under a cloud with batsman Henry Nicholls (left calf) are Tim Southee (back), Neil Wagner (hip / groyne), Matt Henry (broken thumb), Ajaz Patel (calf) and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme (right foot).

Southee ‘s injury is not very serious, and as a “precautionary” measure, he has been rested. Nicholls, too, is scheduled to return next week, but with their respective injuries, de Grandhomme and Patel, who are both awaiting their scan results, look set for a comparatively longer haul on the sideline. Henry has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks now.

Head coach Gary Stead and co-selector Gavin Larsen will have their job cut out as New Zealand is trying to assimilate a squad for the series against West Indies (3 T20Is and 2 Tests).

“Injuries are always a problem, and with our medical personnel, we always track each case closely,” Stead said. “For round four of the Plunket Shield, both Tim Southee and Henry Nicholls are expected to be prepared.” Both Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme have niggles, and to assess the next steps, we await scan results on their respective injuries.

“Likewise, after experiencing a setback in his return to play recovery, Ajaz Patel had a scan on his left calf. Once their scan results have been obtained and reviewed, an update will be given on Neil, Ajaz and Colin.”

For Kyle Jamieson, the tall fast bowler who recently picked up a hattrick for Auckland, and Lockie Ferguson, the injuries may present opportunities. In the spin department, the injury of Patel brings Will Somerville and Mitchell Santner to the forefront, although the essence of the pitches on offer will decide their positions in the upcoming series. In their last test at home, against India , New Zealand went for an all-pace attack.

With a T20I against West Indies in Auckland on November 27, New Zealand starts the 2020-21 summer. On December 3, the Test series kicks off in Hamilton.