The New Zealand cricket team has suffered another major setback, making an already difficult situation even more difficult in the ongoing three-match Test series against the West Indies at home. Star wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the second Test after suffering a hamstring injury while batting in the first Test in Christchurch last week.
They’re already dealing with several key absences. Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner have been ruled out of the remainder of the series with calf, arm and groin injuries respectively. Now, Tom Blundell is not available for the second Test against West Indies.
New Zealand suffer fresh injury blow as Tom Blundell ruled out of second Test
Injuries to Henry, Smith and Santner forced New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to bring in all-rounder Christian Clarke and fast bowler Michael Rae as their replacements. However, they have not announced Nathan Smith’s replacement for the ongoing home Test series.
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With Tom Blundell ruled out of the second Test, Mitchell Hay was handed his first Test call-up on 9 December. The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is now set to make his Test debut against the Caribbean team at the Basin Reserve on December 10.
NZC confirms Mitchell Haye’s Test debut against West Indies
“Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the second Tegel Test against the West Indies starting tomorrow, Wednesday, December 10, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Canterbury’s Mitchell Hay will be the first wicketkeeper to make his Test debut for New Zealand since 2017,” NZC said in an official statement on Tuesday.
Canterbury’s Mitchell Hay will be the first wicketkeeper to make his Test debut for New Zealand since 2017.
The full XI will be released at the time of the toss before the start of the Test tomorrow morning.
The second Tegel Test begins tomorrow at 11 am at the Basin Reserve here… pic.twitter.com/Izp8g3EILX
– Blackcaps (@BLACKCAPS) 9 December 2025
Mitchell Hay has already played 12 T20Is and 7 ODIs for the Black Caps. However, he is not just a white-ball prospect but has made a strong name for himself in first-class cricket as well. The Canterbury star has so far scored 1895 runs in 29 matches at an excellent average of 48.58. He has already scored 17 fifties and one century with a highest score of 146 in first-class cricket.
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The Kiwi team management is happy to have Hay in the Test squad, especially at a time when the team needs fresh energy and reliable performances after working hard to deny West Indies a win in the Christchurch Test.
Rob Walter hails 3 uncapped stars set for Test debut in Wellington
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter was quoted by the NZC website as saying, “Mitch is a young cricketer who has already made a good contribution to the white-ball team. His record at first-class level with Canterbury is also excellent. His coming into the Test team is a great moment in his career, and we are really excited to see him fulfill his role.”
On the inclusion of Christian Clarke and Michael Rae, Walter said, “Christian and Michael are both recognized players with great potential and have both performed well for their domestic teams over the last few years. They both have good red-ball skills, and it is a great opportunity for them to showcase that skill for us at the highest level of the game.”
New Zealand’s updated Test team:
Tom Latham (captain), Michael Bracewell, Christian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Jack Foulkes, Mitch Haye, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Roy, Rachin Ravindra, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young
