New Zealand have lost, Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith for the remainder of their three match Test series against West Indies after all three were ruled out through injury following the drawn opener in Christchurch.
Henry suffered a calf tear after landing awkwardly during a spell on day four, with scans confirming damage to his right leg. He has been ruled out for the series and is targeting a return in January. Smith strained his side on day two and is expected to miss three to four weeks. Santner, who was withdrawn before the first Test with a groin issue, requires further rehabilitation before he can return to the format.
The absences have prompted maiden Test call ups for Northern Districts all rounder Kristian Clarke and Canterbury fast bowler Michael Rae. Both trained with the squad in Wellington on Tuesday ahead of the second Test at the Basin Reserve. Glenn Phillips, initially in Christchurch as a substitute fielder, has also been formally added to the squad, while Canterbury wicketkeeper Mitch Hay has joined as cover for Tom Blundell after the latter sustained a hamstring tear while batting in the first Test.
Head coach Rob Walter said Santner was improving but not yet ready for the demands of Test cricket. “Mitchell has made great progress and is able to bat and bowl with no discomfort,” Walter said. “There is still a risk when he runs or moves laterally, which we cannot control on the cricket field.”
The second Test begins on Wednesday in Wellington, with the final match of the series scheduled to start at the Bay Oval in Tauranga on 18 December.
