Neil Wagner received a warm welcome from the crowd in Wellington as Tim Southee brought him in as the 12th player, indicating his return to the game in the second test.
In the wake of Will O’Rourke’s hamstring injury in Wellington during Australia’s second innings, New Zealand skipper Tim Southee reportedly hinted at a possible recall for Neil Wagner into the playing XI for the second test.
After Australia defeated the Blackcaps in the first test of a two-match series in Wellington by 172 runs, Southee opened up about O’Rourke’s injury.
“We haven’t had a lot of discussions as yet. We’ll see how Will (O’Rourke) scrubs up. The physio hasn’t sort of put a timeframe on it or how bad it is. We’ll just wait and see how Will goes over the next couple of days. I’m sure there’ll be an update in the next 24 hours,” Southee said.
Southee’s acknowledgment of Wagner in Wellington hinted at the left-arm seamer’s return to the game. “We obviously have to go on and make a decision on who comes in and what role, we sort of see that playing out in Christchurch. [Wagner’s] had a great reception here over the last week where he got a couple of moments on the field, and obviously, he’s been a fan favorite for a long time,” he added.
Although Neil announced his retirement upon his exclusion from the playing XI for the ongoing series against the Aussies, he came in as the 12th man in the first test. The passionate fast-bowler received a warm reception from the crowd, and Tim’s post-match remark only sealed the possibility of his return in whites for the second test.
Last Updated on March 3, 2024
