New Zealand will probably roll him out one more time against England: Stephen Fleming on Henry Nicholls
Henry Nicholls, last century came in February 2022 [Source: Twitter]
New Zealand, considered unbeatable at home, suffered a thrashing at the hands of England in the first Test last week by 267 runs at Mount Maunganui. The Kiwis' unsuccessful run in Tests lately has been attributed to lack of runs from their batters.
Henry Nicholls, one of the pillars of their Test batting, has been undergoing a rut. Since his last Test 100 in February 2022, the left-handed batter averages just 15.36.
Ahead of the second Test, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming believes the team management will give 'flaky' Nicholls one last chance against England.
Speaking on SENZ radio, Fleming said that the 31-year-old has played several times to keep his place in the XI, and come out on top.
Here's what Fleming said
“He’s played for his spot a number of times.I think they will stick, they will look for one game and then see what happens. They’ve been pretty conservative with selections over the past few years – they’ll probably roll him out one more time.
But he does get a bit flaky … he is a little bit hot and cold. When he’s on, he’s very good, but unfortunately when he’s off, he is very off.”
The Chennai Super Kings coach further stated that he would have asked Trent Boult to play the first Test.
Ahead of the first Test, Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the team management decided to not to ask Boult to play, despite the unavailability of Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry.
New Zealand will look to draw the series when the second and final Test commences on February 23.