New Zealand vs Pakistan: Matt Hanry named Neil Wagner’s replacement for the tests

New Zealand vs Pakistan: Matt Hanry named Neil Wagner’s replacement for the tests.

New Zealand vs Pakistan: New Zealand Cricket Board on Friday named pacer Matt Hanry as injured Neil Wagner’s replacement for the remaining test matches against Pakistan. The second and the last test game between New Zealand and Pakistan will begin on Sunday.

Speedster Neil Wagner was hit by the pinpoint yorker of Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi during the first game. The incident happened during the second day of the first test as Wagner could not control the yorker. The fourth and fifth toe of Wagner’s right foot suffered undisplaced fractures.

Wagner showed how hard he is, he completed the whole match which eventually turned his team’s way. The pacer took injections to reduce the pain and bowled brilliantly in the first game.

Neil Wagner will require at least six weeks to gain full fitness after recovery, New Zealand Cricket Board informed the reporters. Matt Hanry who is experienced brings test knowledge to the squad said, coach Gary Stead.

“Hanry has been consistent with the ball in the past and recently also. He took 6-53 for New Zealand A against Pakistan A,” Stead said.

“We have some days off before the actions begin of the second test, so need to read the surface while also assessing our options for the best possible combinations for the team,” he added.

The hosts thrashed Pakistan by 101 runs in the first game and took up the lead of 1-0 in the two-game series.

Pakistani skipper was also seen practicing in the nets ahead of the second test. It seems that he will be included to the side as he receivers from his thumb fracture.

New Zealand Squad for the second Test: 

Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Kane Williamson (c), Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, BJ Watling (wk), Will Young.

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