Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner and others ruled out of West Indies Tests as injury massacre hits New Zealand

The New Zealand cricket team has been hit hard by injuries ahead of the second Test against the West Indies. Key players Matt Henry, seam-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith, and spin-bowling allrounder Mitchell Santner have all been ruled out of the rest of the ongoing three-match Test series against the West Indies at home.

Their wicketkeeper-batter, Tom Blundell, was already sidelined from the second Test against the West Indies in Wellington after suffering a hamstring injury while batting on Day 1 during the drawn first Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

New Zealand call up Mitchell Hay, Michael Rae, and Kristian Clarke after a massive injury blow

Following the injury crisis, the young wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay has been added to the New Zealand squad and could make his Test debut in Wellington. Additionally, uncapped seamer Michael Rae and seam-bowling allrounder Kristian Clarke have also been added to the side.

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He is set to make his debut as a like-for-like replacement for Nathan Smith. Both Rae and Clarke were pulled out of the third round of the Plunket Shield after national selection.

Clarke was part of New Zealand’s ODI squad recently as a replacement for Henry, who had then suffered a calf injury. He has now earned his maiden Test call-up.

Kristian Clarke set for Test debut in Wellington

In 27 first-class matches, Clarke has taken 77 wickets at an average of 33 and scored 893 runs at an average of 23.50. He is also a capable batter and scored his maiden century in senior cricket against Central Districts in the One-Day Ford Trophy in October.

Clarke comes from Te Awamutu, a small town in the Waikato region. He played for Waikato Valley in the Hawke Cup, and his brother Matti Clarke has also represented the same team. Clarke has progressed through the local cricket system and now has the chance to make his mark in Tests.

Meanwhile, Blair Tickner, who served as the reserve seamer in the first Test, is also in contention for selection for the Wellington Test, starting on December 10. There could be a last-minute decision between Rae and Clarke for a potential Test debut at the Basin Reserve.

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Daryl Mitchell set to return for 2nd Test vs WI

Additionally, New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is set to be available for the second Test and return to his role in the middle order. Glenn Phillips, who proved his match fitness in the Plunket Shield and later fielded in the first Test, could also be considered for selection.

New Zealand posted, X: “Northern Districts bowler Kristian Clarke will join the Test squad in Wellington this morning ahead of the second Tegel Test v the West Indies. Welcome in, Kristian! Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Mitchell Santner have been ruled out of the remainder of the Tegel Test Series v the West Indies. Looking forward to seeing these lads back very soon! 🖤🤍”

Northern Districts bowler Kristian Clarke will join the test squad in Wellington this morning ahead of the second Tegel Test v the West Indies. Welcome in, Kristian!

Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner have been ruled out of the remainder of the Tegel Test Series v the… pic.twitter.com/wzaGPE89Vt

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 7, 2025

New Zealand squad for the second Test against West Indies:

Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner, Michael Rae, Kristian Clarke