New Zealand has suffered a body blow ahead of the international season as all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel have been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against West Indies. De Grandhomme suffered an injury in his right foot while Patel tore his calf muscle, as per an Associated Press report. The team management has roped in allrounders Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santer as replacements for the injured duo. Both Mitchell and Santner are part of the T20 squad that will take on West Indies in a series starting November 27.
“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,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said.
Daryl Mitchell had made his debut last year against England and proved his worth with the bat, scoring 73 runs in Hamilton while Santner has enjoyed an impressive season since he scored a century against England last year.
“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,” Gary Stead added.
Meanwhile, Gary Stead has also said that Mitchell Santner will lead the Blackcaps in the third T20 against West Indies with regular T20 captain Tim Southee leaving early from the series to prepare for the Test series that will follow the white-ball series. "His calm demeanour along with the sheer amount of international experience will hold him in good stead," Stead said on Santner's credential to lead the team.
New Zealand will take on West Indies in a two-match Test series starting December 03 at Seddon Park in Hamilton followed by the last Test at Basin Reserve in Wellington from December 11.
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