Wicketkeeper-batsman B.J. Watling is in doubt for New Zealand's first home Test against the West Indies because of a hip injury. Watling was named Wednesday in a 12-man squad for the test at Wellington, beginning on December 1. The 32-year-old sustained the injury, while warming up for his domestic side Northern Knights' opening match against the Central Stags in the Plunket Shield 2017-18.
A further player will be added after the four-day match between New Zealand A and the West Indies, which begins Nov. 25. In place of Watling, Tom Blundell could be in line to make his Test debut at his home ground for the Kiwis.
It should be noted that Blundell has been named in the New Zealand A side that will play against West Indies in a three-day tour match before the first Test, beginning December 1.
Selector Gavin Larsen said "aside from the question mark over B.J. we have a fully-fit squad who have all shown they have what it takes to perform at test level."
Batsman Neil Broom is the only member of the team which played South Africa in New Zealand's most-recent test to have missed selection. Broom will play for the New Zealand A team which will be captained by former test opener Martin Guptill.
New Zealand Squad:
Kane Williamson (C), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhommme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, B.J. Watling.
(With AP Inputs)
