Opinion
Five of New Zealand’s Test bowlers alongside all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme are nursing injuries.
The list includes Trent Boult (groin), Tim Southee (back injury), Neil Wagner (hip/groin), Matt Henry (broken thumb), Ajaz Patel (calf) and Colin de Grandhomme (right foot). Bar Boult, none of the other Kiwi players who are nursing injuries are playing in IPL 2020.
This brings the NZ selectors a huge question: who will be New Zealand’s bowling options come December 3 at Seddon Park against the West Indies? When choosing the following bowling options, I used their 2020-21 Plunket Shield numbers as a guideline. Having seen some clips of the first-class tournament, the wickets have been heavily green and seam-friendly, so the spinners haven’t had much on offer for them.
Kyle Jamieson (Auckland)
Test stats – nine wickets, 16.33 average, 2.57 economy
First-class stats – 96 wickets, 23.85 average, 3.14 economy
2020-21 Plunket Shield stats – 15 wickets, 8.8 average, 2.36 economy
Kyle Jamieson is my first name on the team sheet with the current crop of NZ seamers fighting against time with injuries. He showed in the Black Caps’ home series against India how dangerous he is with the ball, generating steep bounce and bowling very accurately. Currently, Jamieson is the second leading wicket-taker in this season of the Plunket Shield so his selection should be a no-brainer.
Doug Bracewell (Central Districts)
Test stats – 72 wickets, 38.83 average, 3.36 economy
First-class stats – 319 wickets, 32.63 average, 3.34 economy
2020-21 Plunket Sheild stats – nine wickets, 19.33 average, 2.85 economy
While Bracewell’s Test numbers with the ball aren’t great, the New Zealand selectors will need to recall some experience in this line-up with the current crop of seamers injured. Bracewell’s had an excellent start to the Plunket Shield with bat and ball, scoring a century against Auckland.
Will Williams (Canterbury)
First-class stats – 72 wickets, 23.68 average, 2.45 economy
2020-21 Plunket Shield stats – 17 wickets, 8.7 average, 1.69 economy
As Williams’ numbers suggest, he’s a very accurate bowler. A medium pacer, Williams is currently the leading wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield this season, with a crazy bowling average and an economy under 1.7. Williams picks himself for New Zealand selection, but he may not get the nod in the final playing XI.
Lockie Ferguson (Auckland)
Test stats – zero wickets, 4.27 economy
First-class stats – 161 wickets, 24.68 average, 3.34 economy
Ferguson hasn’t played in this season of the Plunket Shield as he’s been playing in the IPL. The New Zealand contingent who will be returning from the IPL will not be able to play in any Plunket Shield matches in time for the Test series against the West Indies. However, they will be in managed isolation and be allowed to train during quarantine. Ferguson’s remarkable first-class record alongside his ability to bowl express pace may give him the edge to play for the Black Caps come December 3.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Daryl Mitchell (Canterbury)
Test stats – 73 runs, 73 average, one fifty, zero wickets, 3.13 economy
First-class stats – 3826 runs, 37.88 average, nine hundreds, 70 wickets, 32.6 average, 3.31 economy
2020-21 Plunket Shield stats – 159 runs, 53.0 average, one hundred, 11 wickets, 14.18 average, 2.4 economy
With De Grandhomme in doubt, there’s no question about Daryl Mitchell getting called up. His batting is a lot more reliable than De Grandhomme, although Mitchell doesn’t possess the same venom as De Grandhomme with the ball. Nonetheless, Mitchell’s numbers with bat and ball for Canterbury this season shows he’s ready for a second Test in his international career.
Will Somerville (Auckland)
Test stats – 15 wickets, 32.46 average, 2.77 economy
First-class stats – 99 wickets, 28.57 average, 2.64 economy
2020-21 Plunket Shield stats – two wickets, 44.0 average, 2.83 economy
The wickets on offer in the Plunket Shield have had barely any assistance for the spinners, hence Somerville not bowling many over thus far. With the early season wickets in New Zealand, Somerville will hardly get a bowl in the Test series unless required. However, every Test team requires a spinner regardless of conditions. With Ajaz Patel injured, Somerville’s inclusion seems the best option considering his respectable first-class and Test record with the ball.
If Boult, Southee and Wagner all fail to make the New Zealand XI come the first Test, then the West Indies’ batsmen will feel very relieved mentally. Although New Zealand will still win the Test series regardless of the trio playing or not, this Test series gives the West Indies a chance to compete.
Should the Kiwi trio miss out on selection, here’s my playing XI come the first Test against the West Indies: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (captain), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (keeper), Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Will Somerville, Doug Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
New Test, same result, same problems for Australia as they finish their tour of New Zealand with a fifth win from five matches. Christchurch,…
At the beginning of this second Test between New Zealand and Australia, the Australians formed a guard of honour for Marais Erasmus standing in…
With his place as Australian wicketkeeper suddenly in jeopardy after a poor run of scores with the bat, Alex Carey's brilliant unbeaten 98 to…
It was 50 years ago that New Zealand recorded their first Test Cricket win over Australia.
A five-wicket haul from Josh Hazlewood helped Australia run through New Zealand on the first day in Christchurch, but familiar batting woes have prevented…
New Zealand have tapped uncapped quick Ben Sears for the second Test against Australia, ending hopes of a farewell outing for retired Black Caps…
