BIRMINGHAM: New Zealand are set to rest a few of their key bowlers for the second Test against England to ensure they are fresh and raring to go when they clash with India in the World Test Championship final on June 18.
New Zealand are already dealing with fitness concerns around skipper Kane Williamson while spinner Mitchell Santner has also been ruled of the second match, starting Thursday, due to a finger injury.
Williamson has again been troubled by his elbow.
Read AlsoIndian players to get three-week break between WTC and England seriesThe WTC final against New Zealand will be held from June 18-22 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and the members of the Indian squad will disperse for close to three weeks (20 days) before regrouping on July 14 to prepare for the five-match series against England starting in Nottingham from August 4.With pacer Trent Boult now available for selection for the final match of the series, New Zealand can easily rest one of their other key bowlers — Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson.
It won’t be a surprise if more than one among them does not take field.
“They (bowlers) have all scrubbed up pretty well, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they will play in the next match,” New Zealand head coach Stead said ahead of the second match.
Matt Henry, Doug Bracewell and uncapped Jacob Duffy could be the replacements for the pacers.
“With an eye to the (WTC) 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’ve got a squad of 20 obviously.
So, a lot of guys have played Test cricket before.
Matt Henry is here, Daryl Mitchell is here, Doug Bracewell, Ajaz Patel…there’re guys in and around the squad who’ve played for us in the past.
“So, again, we’re having those discussions with them about what’s best for them given training loads, playing loads and readiness for that match,” Stead said.