• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Twin Boost For New Zealand Mitch Hay And Michael Rae Step In Ahead Of The 2nd Test Vs Wi

Twin boost for New Zealand! Mitch Hay and Michael Rae step in ahead of the 2nd Test vs WI

Poulomi Chakraborty

Michael Rae joins Kiwi squad (Source: @BLACKCAPS/x.com)Michael Rae joins Kiwi squad (Source: @BLACKCAPS/x.com)

The New Zealand-West Indies Test series has turned into pure drama, with the Caribbean side’s stunning last-innings fightback stealing the spotlight. As the Kiwis aimed for a victory, the match ended in a draw.

Before stepping into the upcoming second Test match, the Kiwis faced some shakeups in the team. With injuries forcing changes, Mitch Hay and Michael Rae have joined the lineup.

Michael Rae steps in to elevate New Zealand’s firepower

The first Test match between New Zealand and the West Indies ended with pure drama as the Kiwis fell short despite early domination. After the Caribbean batting faltered in the first innings, they showcased their excellence in the second innings as Shai Hope and Justin Greaves’ masterclass pushed the side towards a hard-earned draw.

However, as both sides have shifted their focus in the second Test of the series, the Kiwi side faced major shake-ups in the squad. After facing injury blows in the first match, Matt Henry and Nathan Smith are doubtful for the upcoming match.

To give a boost to the bowling squad, the Kiwis added uncapped pacer Michael Rae. The bowler is a familiar face in New Zealand’s domestic circuit. In 69 matches, he secured 205 scalps with three five-wicket hauls and eight four-wicket hauls. Having impressive stats in the domestic circuit, his addition can be a massive boost for them.

Mitch Hay comes in as the Kiwi squad gets a big shakeup

As the injury blows have become a concern for the side, New Zealand made another crucial inclusion. After wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell was ruled out due to a hamstring injury, Canterbury batter Mitch Hay has been added to the squad.

Representing the Blackcaps in the limited-over format, Hay is waiting for his Test debut, and the second Test against the West Indies can be a perfect milestone for the star batter. With those additions, New Zealand got massive boosts ahead of the upcoming Test.

Despite early redemption in the first Test, the Kiwi bowling lineup faltered in the second innings, and the Caribbeans took the advantage. After the match ended in a draw, both teams will reunite again in Wellington for the second Test match on December 10.