Last Updated on 4 years by Charbel Coorey

Wagner, Southee among others under injury clouds | New Zealand forced to manage injury concerns before WI Series

Just before the start of New Zealand’s international summer, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel and Colin de Grandhomme have reported injuries. The seamers might not have a long-term problem, but Patel’s recovery from the calf strain could delay his entry to the squad. Coach Gary Stead has confirmed these matters to ESPNCricinfo.

Southee is suffering from a back injury, Wagner is having hip and groin issue while de Grandhomme is facing a nagging problem in his right foot. Three of them have been ruled out of Northern Districts’ next Plunket Shield match.

“Injuries are always a concern and we’re certainly monitoring each case closely with our medical staff. Tim Southee and Henry Nicholls are both expected to be fit for round four of the Plunket Shield. Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme both have niggles and we are awaiting scan results on their respective injuries to ascertain the next steps. Likewise, Ajaz Patel had a scan on his left calf after suffering a setback in his return to play rehabilitation. An update on Neil, Ajaz and Colin will be provided once their scan results have been received and assessed”, said the coach to the media group.

The team management is aiming for Southee and de Grandhomme’s return in the New Zealand’s T20I squad which will start by the end of November, whereas Wagner and Nicholls could be part of the Test team which started on December 3 in Hamilton.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.