New Zealand Call-up Will Somerville To Replace Trent Boult For Sydney Test
New Zealand have recalled off-spinner Will Somerville to replace injured fast bowler Trent Boult for the third and final Test match against Australia in Sydney. Trent Boult was a part of the recently-concluded Boxing Day Test at the MCG but was ruled out of the final Test after fracturing his right hand when he was struck on the gloves while facing a Mitchell Starc delivery.
The left-arm pacer, who was playing his first Test since the tour of Sri Lanka, could not come out to bat in the second innings. New Zealand coach Gary Stead said Will Somerville, who has played three tests and picked up 14 wickets, was called up instead of another paceman as the conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground were conducive to spin.
“There’s no secret the SCG pitch is one of the more spin-friendly in Australia,” Stead said in a statement. “Will offers something different to our two other spinners in the squad with his right arm off-spin and height.
“The fact he’s played a lot of cricket in Sydney during his career for New South Wales will also be helpful as we prepare for this final Test,” he added.
Australia thrash New Zealand to wrap up series:
The home side thrashed New Zealand by 247 runs in the second Test to take 2-0 lead in the three-match series and wrap up the series with a match to go. Australia had defeated New Zealand by 296 runs in the series-opener in Perth.
Set an improbable target of 488, New Zealand never looked in contention of saving the game as they came up with yet another poor batting effort. Tom Blundell scored a fighting ton but it was not enough as his side was bowled out for a modest 240.
