Amidst news of uncertainty over skipper Kane Williamson’s participation, NZ will be delighted to have their ace quick Trent Boult back for the series-deciding Test against England in Edgbaston, starting Thursday.
Boult is available for the second and final Test of the series after being granted an exemption in quarantine norms from the UK government.
The left-arm paceman, who opted to fly back home after IPL 2021 instead of indirectly travelling to the UK via the Maldives like others, was allowed to train with the rest of the Kiwi squad three days before the stipulated time.
“The original plan we had in place with all the information we had at the time was that we weren’t going to play him in the second Test, but coming out of that isolation probably three days earlier than what we originally anticipated does put a slightly different spin on it.
So we’ll weigh up the pros and cons and work out with Trent what we think is the best course forward to make sure he is fit and raring to go for that final.”
Gary Stead, the Blackcaps head coach, said.
Keeping in mind the back to back Tests heading into the World Test Championship final versus India, Stead informed that Boult’s inclusion will also mean the exclusion of one of the pacers – Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner – who played the first Test against England at Lord’s.
New Zealand have backup options available in the form of Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy and Doug Bracewell in their squad, with Daryl Mitchell being an alternative for the pace all-rounder’s slot in case Colin de Grandhomme misses out.
“They [bowlers] have all scrubbed up pretty well, [but] it doesn’t necessarily mean they will play in the next match,” Stead said. “With an eye to the final we want to make sure the key bowlers who we think will take part in that game are fresh, raring to go and ready for that first ball of the match versus India.”
“We’re still yet to make a final decision, but we’re certainly having discussions with them about what’s best for them given training loads, playing loads and readiness for that match.”
The much-anticipated clash against India for the WTC glory will be held only four days after the second England Test from June 18 to June 22 in Southampton.
Meanwhile, before that, the Kiwis have a couple of injury concerns as left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has been ruled out for Edgbaston after enduring a cut on his left index finger and even captain Williamson is doubtful for the game.
It is understood that Santner picked up the cut while playing the pre-series intra-squad match. But, even though he could manage to play the first Test and bowl 23 overs, the left-armer isn’t coping as well before the second Test and has been sidelined to avoid aggravating his injury. If New Zealand want to retain a spinner in the side, Ajaz Patel, the left-arm spinner, will be a direct replacement.
Williamson, on the other hand, is being monitored for a left elbow niggle that has troubled him since the T20Is versus Australia in March. A decision on Williamson’s inclusion will be taken on Wednesday, on the eve of the Test match. Surgery for the niggle has been avoided, for now, considering the tour assignment.
If Williamson isn’t ready to play, opening batsman Tom Latham will be stepping up again to lead the side, while one of Will Young or Rachin Ravindra or even Tom Blundell could fill the batting slot.
