Southee, Wagner on growing NZ injury list ahead of WI series

Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme are part of a growing injury list for New Zealand, but coach Gary Stead is hopeful that most of the problems are not long-term concerns ahead of the start of the international summer against West Indies.

However, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has suffered a setback in his recovery from the calf strain that has delayed the start of his season.

Southee (back), Wagner (hip/groin) and de Grandhomme (right foot) have been ruled out of Northern Districts’ next Plunket Shield match, although it is hoped that Southee will be able to return in round four, which starts on November 14.

Henry Nicholls, who has yet to play this season, is on course to return from a calf injury in round four as well for Canterbury.

Matt Henry has previously been ruled out for up to six weeks after breaking his thumb.

“Injuries are always a concern and we’re certainly monitoring each case closely with our medical staff,” Stead said. “Tim Southee and Henry Nicholls are both expected to be fit for round four of the Plunket Shield.

“Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme both have niggles and we are awaiting scan results on their respective injuries to ascertain the next steps.

“Likewise, Ajaz Patel had a scan on his left calf after suffering a setback in his return to play rehabilitation. An update on Neil, Ajaz and Colin will be provided once their scan results have been received and assessed.”

Of the injured players, Southee and de Grandhomme are likely to feature in New Zealand’s T20I squad to face West Indies from the end of November, whereas Wagner and Nicholls are key parts of the Test side.

The first Test against West Indies starts on December 3 in Hamilton. (ESPNCricinfo)