New Zealand to keep key bowlers fresh for WTC final

Birmingham, June 9

New Zealand are set to rest a few of their key bowlers for the second Test against England to ensure they are fresh and raring to go when they clash with India in the World Test Championship final on June 18.

New Zealand are already dealing with fitness concerns around skipper Kane Williamson, while spinner Mitchell Santner has also been ruled of the second match, starting tomorrow, due to a finger injury. Williamson has been ruled out of the second Test against England to give much-needed rest to his “irritated” left elbow.

With pacer Trent Boult now available for selection for the final match of the series, New Zealand can easily rest one of their other key bowlers — Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson.

It won’t be a surprise if more than one among them does not take the field.

“They (bowlers) have all scrubbed up pretty well, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they will play in the next match,” New Zealand head coach Stead said.

Matt Henry, Doug Bracewell and uncapped Jacob Duffy could be the replacements for the pacers.

“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 and ready for that first ball of the match versus India,” Stead said. — PTI