NZ vs WI 2025: Tom Blundell sidelined for remainder of Test series with right hamstring injury

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the ongoing Test against the West Indies in Christchurch, as well as the second Test in Wellington next week, after scans confirmed a tear in his right hamstring. Blundell sustained the injury while batting on the opening day of the Christchurch Test. He appeared visibly uncomfortable while running between the wickets, and the injury proved severe enough to prevent him from taking the field on Day 2. In his absence, captain Tom Latham had to step in as wicketkeeper.

Ahead of play on Day 3, New Zealand Cricket issued a statement confirming Blundell’s unavailability for the second Test at the Basin Reserve, beginning December 10. They also announced the addition of Mitchell Hay to the squad, with the young batter set to join the team in Wellington on December 7.

With multiple players already sidelined, New Zealand were forced to rely on part-time spinners Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra to share the bowling workload. The team was already without key middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell, who is still recovering from a groin injury and missed the first Test.

Notably, Hay, currently representing Canterbury in the Plunket Shield, will complete the first two days of that match before linking up with the national side. Having already played seven ODIs and 12 T20Is for New Zealand over the past year, he could be in contention for a Test debut if Mitchell does not recover in time.

If Mitchell returns, New Zealand may consider reshuffling their batting order by promoting Will Young and adjusting Tom Latham’s position to compensate for Blundell’s absence. Meanwhile, Matt Henry and Nathan Smith also picked up injuries during the first Test. Bowling coach Jacob Oram stated that the team is awaiting scan results for both players.

“They’ve had scans and it’s really disappointing for them. I feel for them and I have a lot of empathy for them. We’re basically waiting for the report to come back to decide what we’re going to be doing not only this Test match but the series going forward. So it’s a wait and see and you always have your fingers crossed but with just one day left and a quick turnaround, we’ll wait and see,” said Oram as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.