New Zealand tour of England 2021

Responsive image

Wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling ruled out from 2nd Test with back injury

10 Jun 2021

New Zealand's wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling has been ruled out from the second Test against England in Birmingham, after failing to overcome a sore back.

"The injury has troubled Watling in the past, and although it has improved in the past 24 hours, it hasn't improved enough to be confident of him getting through a full Test behind the stumps," said New Zealand Cricket in a press statement.

"Wellington Firebirds wicket-keeper batsman Tom Blundell will take the gloves and bat six in his 11th Test."

Watling had earlier announced that he would be retiring from all forms of international cricket after the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, starting June 18 in Southampton.

New Zealand will be without their captain Kane Williamson, who has been rested for the second Test against England at Edgbaston due to injury concerns. Williamson's place at three in the order will be taken by 28-year-old Will Young, who has scored 48 runs in his two Tests innings to date.

Kane Williamson had said before he arrives in England that the elbow concern is being managed, and he was hopeful of returning to peak fitness sooner than later. Williamson had missed three Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) due to the same injury.

Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has also been ruled out for the final Test with a finger injury. At the same time, experienced pacer Trent Boult is available for selection.

The first Test between the two sides had ended in a draw at Lord's.

Matches

Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25

2nd ODI, Harare, 19 Dec 2024

Afgh Afgh
286/6 & / (50. ov)
Zim Zim
54/10 & / (17.5 ov) (Target

Afghanistan won by 232 runs

Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024-05

2nd ODI (D/N), Cape Town, 19 Dec 2024

Pak Pak
329/10 & / (49.5 ov)
SA SA
248/10 & / (43.1 ov) (Target

Pakistan won by 81 runs

India tour of Australia 2024-25

3rd Test, Brisbane, 14-18 Dec 2024

Aus Aus
445/10 & 89/7 dec (. ov)
Ind Ind
252/9 & 8/0 (. ov) (Target

Match drawn

Bangladesh tour of West Indies 2024-25

2nd T20I (N), Kingstown, 17 Dec 2024

Ban Ban
129/7 & / (20. ov)
WI WI
102/10 & / (10.3 ov) (Target

Bangladesh won by 27 runs