New Zealand’s bowling stocks have taken a blow ahead of today’s day-night Test against Australia in Perth, with the visitors confirming pace bowler Trent Boult won’t play due to a side strain.
Boult missed the second Test against England in Hamilton, but was considered a chance of being able to regain fitness in time for the first Test at Optus Stadium. However, he was failed in his bid to be selected, with Matt Henry or debutant Lockie Ferguson thought to be the likely replacements.
The 30-year-old has taken 22 wickets at an average of 38.09 an economy of 3.79 in six Tests against Australia.
MORE TO COME
U
Roar Rookie
If they select Henry, so help me......
Pete
Guest
Surely they go with Ferguson over Henry? If they go with Henry that is one very ordinary bowling attack.
tauranga boy
Roar Rookie
They'd better not!
Gomez
Guest
Please no.
Adzy
Roar Rookie
Conservative coach and captain will go with Henry.
McBumbler
Guest
The wafer-thin Aussie batting lineup will come to the fore in this test series vs quality bowlers rather than the park trundlers we have see from PAK Warner will be exhausted and likely not do as well as smith who will be on notice for his poor showing vs PAK burns looking to lock his spot in; head probably on his final chance expecting labs and wade to continue their fine form. nz to win by a whisker (10-30 runs)
Dutski
Roar Guru
Great opportunity to put Ferguson in. Go for it, I say
Gomez
Guest
NZ bowled England out for 197 in the second innings at Bay Oval in November and Boult only bowled 6 overs and took no wickets due to injury. So it's not as though our attack is inordinately reliant on Boult.
Gomez
Guest
Not Matt Henry :angry: ......unleash the speed demon!!
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
That’s a pity, as it’s hard enough to come straight into a day-night Test with no warm up matches. Although Ferguson could be more of a handful. It will be a poor outcome for Australia if we don’t win, though how the pitch plays could be a random element if it cracks.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Bugger. Better not to risk a side-strain as a bowler though. Big summer ahead...