New Zealand’s 6-foot-6 pacer Michael Rae has received his maiden call-up to the national team for the second Test against the West Indies.
Rae’s opportunity comes after injuries to Matt Henry and Nathan Smith. At 30 years old, the pacer has earned his first call to the Black Caps squad for the Wellington Test against the West Indies.
Henry and pace-bowling allrounder Smith suffered injuries during the drawn first Test in Christchurch. Henry was unable to bowl more than 11 overs in the second innings, while Smith did not bowl at all.
Their absence has had a major impact on New Zealand’s bowling attack. Chasing 531, the West Indies recovered from 72 for 4 thanks to a century from Shai Hope and an unbeaten double century from Justin Greaves to save the match.
Henry and Smith have not formally been ruled out of the three-match series, but it is highly unlikely they will feature in the next game.
If they are unavailable, Rae could make his Test debut. Reserve fast bowler Blair Tickner, who was with the squad for the first match, could also get an opportunity in the playing XI.
Rae has played 69 first-class matches, taking 205 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls. His best first-class bowling figures are 6 for 31.
He has also played county cricket outside New Zealand, featuring in five matches for Warwickshire and taking 14 wickets at an average of 30.28.
In addition, injuries have opened the door for Mitchell Hay, who could make his Test debut as a wicketkeeper. Hay has experience in seven ODIs and 12 T20Is.
Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell fielded as a replacement at Hagley Oval due to a back injury, while spinning allrounder Mitchell Santner missed the last match for the same reason.
The second Test begins at Basin Reserve on Wednesday.
