New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second test against West Indies. Williamson has flown returned home to be with his pregnant wife Sarah Raheem. His wife Sarah who is due to give birth to their first child in “mid to late December”.
NZ coach Gary Stead confirmed Williamson would miss the second Test at Basin Reserve. Stead confirmed Tom Latham would captain the side.
Will Young is likely to bat at No 3, with Tom Blundell shifting up to open and wicketkeeper BJ Watling returning to the side. One of Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner will fight for the final spot.
“Kane’s not the first person to have a baby and miss a test match. Our thoughts and wishes are with Sarah and Kane at this time, and we want to make sure that first and foremost that mother and baby are well looked after,” said NZ coach.
Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich is returning home along with opening bowler Kemar Roach after the death of his father. Shimron Hetmyer (concussion) and Keemo Paul (hamstring) are among others who are sidelined.
Holder confirmed a test debut for 22-year-old gloveman Joshua da Silva from Trinidad. “He’s a young vibrant soul in terms of the dressing room and one of those players who will knuckle down and tough it out which is exactly what we’re looking for,” Holder said.
NZ Playing 11 (likely): Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.
WI Playing 11 (likely): Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shamarh Brooks, Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel, Chemar Holder.
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