New Zealand Confirm Neil Wagner's Unavailability for The Second Test
Neil Wagner (Source: Twitter)
New Zealand's Neil Wagner, who suffered a back injury on day three of the Test in Christchurch, will not play the second and final Test of the series in Wellington because of a hamstring tear in his right leg. In addition to the hamstring, the seam bowler also has a bulging disc in his back.
Black Caps coach 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 sidelined 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."
Last week, Wagner played a significant role in New Zealand defeating England by one run at the Basin Reserve. Wagner took four wickets in the second innings to help his side register a dramatic win.
Along with Wagner, Matt Henry also injured himself in Christchurch with a cut to his right hand. He subsequently received three stitches.
With Wagner set to miss the Basin Reserve Test, the New Zealand team management announced Doug Bracewell would be joining the squad. Bracewell last played Test cricket in August 2016 against South Africa in Centurion. He returned to professional cricket only last week, taking 2-86 and 1-24, and scoring 0 and 50 in domestic cricket.
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