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New Zealand have lost three key players to injuries for the remainder of the home Test series against the West Indies. Fast bowling pair of Matt Henry (calf) and Nathan Smith (side), who were injured during the opening Test of the series in Christchurch, will miss the final two matches of the series, while star all-rounder Mitchell Santner has failed to recover from his groin problem and has been ruled out of the series as well.
First-choice keeper Tom Blundell has already been ruled out of the second Test after picking up a hamstring injury on the opening day of the first Test. With mounting injury problems, the Kiwis are facing a fight to field a strong playing XI ahead of the next match that begins at Basin Reserve in Wellington on Wednesday.
The first Test of the series ended in a draw after a Herculean effort by the West Indies batters.
Keeper-batter Mitch Hay is all but certain to fill in for Blundell and earn a Test debut, while all-rounder Glenn Phillips, returning from an injury, might be included in the team.
In the absence of Henry and Smith, back-up quick Blair Tickner to reinforce the fast bowling arsenal in Wellington. Uncapped duo Michael Rae and Kristian Clarke have been called up to the squad.
Rae has been in good form at the domestic level for the local side Canterbury, while Clarke has been doing similarly with Northern Districts.
Jamieson won't be rushed back as he has recently returned to red-ball cricket after recovering from a back injury.
New Zealand will be looking to bolster their bowling attack to bring some potency after the loss of Smith and Henry allowed the West Indies batters to play out the entire fifth day of the first Test to force a remarkable draw.
