Nathan Smith has joined the Black Caps’ casualty ward and is in doubt for the second test against the West Indies.
More pressing, he won’t bowl or field against the West Indies on Friday due to a side strain, as the Black Caps press for victory at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.
Smith was scheduled to have a scan on Friday morning, the Black Caps confirmed.
Whenever the Black Caps, who took a 481-run lead into the fourth day, take the field, they’ll have to get by with three seamers - Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes, meaning spinners Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra are likely to play an increased role in pursuit of the 10 wickets required for victory.
The 27-year-old Smith is the second player to pull up lame during the opening test of the summer, after keeper Tom Blundell tore his hamstring batting on the opening day.
He’s been ruled out of the second test, starting in Wellington on Wednesday, resulting in Canterbury’s Mitch Hay being called into the side.
The Black Caps had Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner ruled out of the opening test with groin injuries, although Mitchell has taken to the field, albeit in a fielding capacity only.
Having recovered from a groin injury, middle-order batter Glenn Phillips joined the squad in Christchurch on Friday and is expected to return at the Basin Reserve.
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