NEW DELHI: New Zealand have called upon the experienced 37-year-old seamer Neil Wagner to bolster their squad for the upcoming two-Test series in Bangladesh. Wagner's inclusion comes as a replacement for the injured Matt Henry, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained during the Black Caps' World Cup campaign.
The recovery process for Henry has proven to be slower than anticipated, as recent scans revealed he won't be fit for the first Test scheduled to commence in Sylhet on November 28. This setback has opened the door for Wagner, providing him with an unexpected opportunity to add to his impressive tally of 63 Tests.
Wagner, who faced uncertainty after initially being left out of the Bangladesh assignment in favour of five spinners, has endured a challenging period of recuperation. Over the past eight months, he battled a torn hamstring and a herniated disc suffered during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.
Speculations were rife that Wagner might have played his last international match, but his return to domestic first-class cricket action with Northern Districts this week has evidently impressed the selectors.
The seasoned seamer now joins a formidable three-man pace attack alongside captain Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson. Jamieson himself makes a comeback to Test duty after an 18-month absence due to back problems, further strengthening New Zealand's pace arsenal for the upcoming series.
As the Black Caps gear up for the challenges in Bangladesh, Wagner's experience and resilience are expected to be valuable assets, adding depth to the team's bowling lineup.
(With inputs from AFP)The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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