Henry Nicholls' Injury Issue Worries New Zealand Ahead Of Important England Tour
New Zealand batter Henry Nicholls sustained a calf injury while training ahead of their England tour, leaving the team worried about his participation in the crucial 3-match Test series.
Nicholls was undergoing running drills alongside fellow teammates when he suffered an injury to the right calf, NZ head coach, Gary Stead, confirmed after the day’s practice sessions concluded.
“He’s having an MRI scan later today, so we’ll know more after that as to the extent of it. But he’s got it strapped up and I guess the next 24 to 48 hours will give us an indication of how serious that is,” Stead was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
The left-handed Nicholls is a vital cog in the middle order and his presence provides a great balance to the Kiwi side. He has a good record against England, averaging 45.71 in 6 matches with a high score of 145*.
New Zealand to depart for the UK in two groups
The Kiwis will depart for their tour in two groups on Saturday and Sunday after the pre-tour camp completes. The first Test will be played on June 2 at the Lord’s followed by matches at the Trent Bridge and Headingley.
Prior to the series, New Zealand will play a 4-day warm-up match against Sussex starting next Friday (May 20) before playing against a First Class Counties Select XI from May 26-29.
Additionally, the Black Caps have expanded their coaching group with an eye on shuffling between the members to avoid bio-bubble fatigue among the management. Stead confirmed the same, with Dion Ebrahim, Shane Jurgensen, and former England cricketer Luke Wright set to join them.
