New Zealand first-choice wicket-keeper BJ Watling is all set to make a comeback in the second Test of New Zealand vs West Indies. Watling, who had sustained a hamstring injury during the opening round of their domestic List A tournament, had to opt-out of the first Test. However, the wicket-keeper batsman has now been declared fit and is expected to fully recover by the second Test on Friday at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
Watling’s return is a piece of bad news for the West Indies team as it was already a bolt from the blue for them to rule out Kemar Roach and Shane Dowrich. Pacer Roach and wicket-keeper Dowrich will fly to the Caribbean Islands, consequently missing out on the second Test of New Zealand vs West Indies. Roach cited personal reasons for his unavailability, while Dowrich is still struggling due to his hand injury.
Watling is pretty confident about his recovery and his form for taking on the visitors. He said, “It seems to be progressing pretty well.
“I’ve been through a few fitness tests and did a bit of training last week during the Test match and it seems to have pulled up pretty good.”
The 35-year old batsman refuses to accept the two victories of the Black Caps’. He believes that it does not ensure the third one as well and they need to adjust to the conditions.
“It will be about adjusting to what we get at the Basin and being ready to go in those conditions.
“The weather for the Test looks pretty good but you never know at the Basin, it might be reasonably flat or it might have a bit in it for the bowlers,” he added.
The return of Watling will possibly cause the ruling out of Will Young. This will also mean that Tom Blunder, who filled in for the wicket-keeper’s position, will remove the keepers gloves. Also, he will then return to batting in the top order, his initial position.
