New Zealand vs West Indies: Colin de Grandhomme And Ajaz Patel Injured Ahead Of The Test Series

Ahead of the start of their massive home season, New Zealand has suffered a double blow as allrounder Colin de Grandhomme, and spinner Ajaz Patel have been ruled out from the Test series against West Indies.

It is reported that Grandhomme has a bruising in his right foot which rules him out of both the Tests against West Indies. Ajaz Patel has his torn left calf which from which he hasn’t yet recovered. He will miss the first Test in Hamilton and will be monitored before the second Test in Wellington.

Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santer are being announced as the replacements for the injured duo. The pace-bowling all-rounder, Daryl Mitchell made his Test debut against England last year. He scored 73 in his debut innings. Mitchell Santner notched his maiden Tets ton in the same series.

Head coach, Gary Stead confirmed that both the replacing players are part of the T20I squad to take on the West Indies, and then will join the Test squad in Hamilton. Stead praised their performances last year against England at home.  28-year-old Santner has also been named the T20I captain for the third T20 versus West Indies for Tim Southee who is rested.

As quoted by Hindustan Times, Gary Stead said, “Mitch and Daryl will be available for the final T20 game before linking up with the test squad on Tuesday where we will monitor them closely to ensure they’re fit and fresh ahead of the first Test.

“They both proved last summer in the tests against England what they can do in our conditions with Mitch scoring a century and claiming three wickets at Bay Oval, while Daryl produced a polished half-century on debut at Seddon Park.”

New Zealand’s big home summer:

New Zealand will host West Indies for 3 T20Is starting 27th November, and 2-match Test series starting 3rd December. Pakistan, who have already flown for New Zeland will compete with the home side in three T20Is and two Tests which will be followed by the Trans-Tasmanian rivalry for five short-format games. Kane Williamson’s team will host Bangladesh for 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is.

New Zealand will benefit from the new rule for deciding the World Test Championship finals – points percentage –  courtesy of several home Test matches. Currently, the Black Caps sit fourth on the WTC points table, behind Australia, India, and England.

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