The New Zealand cricket team is struggling badly with injuries before the second test against West Indies. Key players Matt Henry, seam-bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith and spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner have been ruled out of the remaining matches of the ongoing three-match Test series against the West Indies at home.
Their wicketkeeper-batsman, Tom Blundell, was ruled out of the second Test against the West Indies in Wellington after suffering a hamstring injury while batting on the first day during the drawn First Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
New Zealand recall Mitchell Hay, Michael Rae and Christian Clarke after serious injuries
After an injury crisis, young wicketkeeper-batsman Mitchell Hay has been included in the New Zealand squad and could make his Test debut in Wellington. Additionally, uncapped seamer Michael Roy and seam-bowling all-rounder Christian Clarke have also been added to the squad.
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He is set to make his debut as a look-alike replacement for Nathan Smith. Following national selection, both Rae and Clarke were eliminated from the third round of the Plunket Shield.
Clarke was recently part of New Zealand’s ODI squad as a replacement for Henry, who then suffered a calf injury. He has now earned his first Test call-up.
Christian Clarke ready for Test debut in Wellington
In 27 first-class matches, Clarke has taken 77 wickets at an average of 33 and scored 893 runs at an average of 23.50. He is also a capable batsman and scored his first century in senior cricket against Central Districts in the one-day Ford Trophy in October.
Clark comes from Te Awamutu, a small town in the Waikato region. He played for Waikato Valley in the Hawke Cup and his brother Matty Clarke has also represented the same team. Clarke has progressed through the local cricket system and now has his chance to make his mark in Tests.
Meanwhile, Blair Tickner, who served as the reserve seamer in the first Test, is also in the running for selection for the Wellington Test starting on December 10. There could be a last minute decision between Rai and Clarke for a possible Test debut at Basin Reserve.
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Daryl Mitchell is set to return for the second Test against West Indies
Additionally, New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell will be available for the second Test and will return to his role in the middle order. Glenn Phillips, who proved his match fitness in the Plunket Shield and later fielded in the first Test, may also be considered for selection.
New Zealand posted,
Northern Districts bowler Christian Clarke will join the Test squad in Wellington this morning ahead of the second Tegel Test against the West Indies. Welcome, Christian!
Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner have been ruled out of the remaining matches of the Tegel Test series… pic.twitter.com/wzaGPE89Vt
– Blackcaps (@BLACKCAPS) 7 December 2025
New Zealand team for the second test against West Indies:
Tom Latham (captain), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell, Jack Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner, Michael Rae, Christian Clarke
