ENG v NZ 2021: New Zealand to rest key bowlers for 2nd Test to keep them fresh for WTC 2021 Final

Second Test between England and New Zealand will be played from June 10 in Edgbaston.

Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson are likely to be rested for the final Test | Getty Images

With the mega ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final just one week away, New Zealand will be resting some of their key players for the second and final Test against England, starting on June 10, as they want to keep their key players fresh for the big clash against India next week.

New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner has been ruled of the second Test against England due to a finger injury, while the skipper Kane Williamson is being troubled by his elbow which has become a cause of concern for the Kiwis ahead of the WTC 2021 Final against India starting on June 18.

Read Also: ENG v NZ 2021: Kane Williamson doubtful for second Test, Mitchell Santner ruled out with his cut left index finger

However, the veteran pacer Trent Boult is now available for the selection for the final Test against England which enables New Zealand to rest one of their other key bowlers – Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, or Kyle Jamieson and head coach Stead admitted the equation.

Matt Henry, Doug Bracewell, and uncapped Jacob Duffy are likely to be the replacements for the pacers Southee, Wagner, and Jamieson for the series decider against England.

Gary Stead says New Zealand is thinking of resting the key bowlers | Getty Images

Ahead of the final Test from Thursday in Edgbaston, Stead has admitted that New Zealand is thinking of resting the key bowlers who are going to play in the WTC Final against England in Southampton in order to keep them fresh and ready to hunt in the title clash next week.

Stead said, “Bowlers have all scrubbed up pretty well, but it doesn't necessarily mean they will play in the next match. With an eye to the (WTC) final, we want to make sure the key bowlers who we think will take part in that game are fresh, raring to go, and ready for that first ball of the match versus India.”

Read Also: ICC announces match officials for WTC final, Richard Illingworth & Michael Gough named on-field umpires

The head coach further said, “We've got a squad of 20 obviously. So, a lot of guys have played Test cricket before. Matt Henry is here, Daryl Mitchell is here, Doug Bracewell, Ajaz Patel…there're guys in and around the squad who've played for us in the past.”

He signed off by saying, “So, again, we're having those discussions with them about what's best for them given training loads, playing loads, and readiness for that match.”

(With PTI Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 09 Jun, 2021

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