New Zealand have made notable changes ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, recalling batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips and handing Canterbury wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay his Test debut. Hay comes in for Tom Blundell, who has been ruled out due to injury.
The squad was officially announced on Tuesday, December 9. Hay becomes the first wicketkeeper-batter to debut in Tests for New Zealand since 2017. His First-Class record reflects strong promise 1895 runs in 29 matches at an impressive average of 48.58, including 18 fifty-plus scores.
New Zealand have also bolstered their bowling attack with two uncapped pacers, Kristian Clarke and Michael Rae, replacing Matt Henry and Nathan Smith, both of whom picked up injuries during the first Test.
Phillips’ return is a major boost for the BlackCaps. Recently recovered from a groin injury, he made an impactful comeback for Otago in the Plunkett Shield, scoring 130 runs and taking nine wickets across two matches. He has already represented New Zealand in 15 Tests, tallying 728 runs and 31 wickets.
The Wellington Test holds high stakes, with the first match ending in a draw. New Zealand now aim to take control of the series at home with a refreshed unit.
