West Indies experienced another loss on the first day of the third Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, as senior fast bowler Kemar Roach is expected to miss the second day of play owing to a hamstring injury. The seasoned pacer appeared to be in pain during the 89th over, gripping his hamstring after finishing it and going off the pitch. He did not participate in the morning warm-up practice on Day 2, and his comeback to the match is doubtful.
Kemar Roach’s injury adds to the growing list of fast bowlers from both sides who have suffered setbacks during the series.
West Indies had a rough first day with the ball, taking only one New Zealand wicket while allowing many runs. The absence of their most senior seamer undermines an offence that has struggled to maintain consistency throughout the trip.
To make matters worse, batter Shai Hope remained in the team hotel on the second morning after feeling ill, leaving the visitors with even less resources. The West Indies bowling team has been under fire, with Jayden Seales taking just five wickets in five innings thus far. Anderson Phillip and all-rounder Justin Greaves have given support, but consistent pressure has been difficult to come by.
Injuries and niggles have affected the wider West Indies camp as well. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Ojay Shields have been managing fitness concerns, and when Greaves briefly left the field during the second session on day one, New Zealand local Sebastian Heath had to come on as a substitute fielder for the visitors.
New Zealand has not been immune to similar issues. Earlier in the series at Christchurch, Matt Henry and Nathan Smith were forced off the field, while Blair Tickner’s involvement in the second Test was curtailed. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell also suffered a hamstring problem on the opening day of the first Test but made his return in the third match.
India
