NZ vs AUS: Neil Wagner’s comeback hopes for 2nd Test against Australia shattered; know the reason here

The possibility of Neil Wagner making a comeback to the New Zealand team has been dashed, as the Blackcaps have opted to bring in Ben Sears as a replacement for Will O'Rourke in the second Test against Australia.

Despite his retirement from international cricket, Wagner was considered for a return by captain Tim Southee following the team's loss in the Wellington Test.

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Ben Sears will replace O'Rourke

O'Rourke sustained a left hamstring strain during Day 3 of the first Test, and scans conducted on March 3, confirmed the extent of the injury.

“BLACKCAPS pace-bowler Will O'Rourke has been ruled out of this week's second Tegel Test against Australia in Christchurch, after scans revealed a left-hamstring strain,” read the statement.

 

"O'Rourke sustained the injury while bowling on day three of the first Test in Wellington and will require at least two weeks of rest and rehabilitation."

 

“Uncapped Wellington Firebirds pace-bowler Ben Sears will replace O'Rourke in the 13-man squad and will join the team in Christchurch on Tuesday.”

 

The statement from New Zealand Cricket also disclosed that Wagner had been released from the squad as per the initial plan.

 

"Neil Wagner has been released from the squad as planned, ahead of the team reassembling in Christchurch on Tuesday," read the statement.

 

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Neil Wagner's international career comes to an end

Before the commencement of the first Test in Wellington, Wagner had declared his retirement from international cricket. Despite being included in the squad, the board informed him that he wouldn't be selected for either of the matches. This decision prompted Wagner, emotionally, to announce the end of his career. However, he stayed with the squad for the first Test and contributed by assisting the team in practice sessions.

 

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During the first Test, Wagner also filled in as a substitute fielder. With 64 Test matches under his belt, he has taken 260 wickets for New Zealand.

 

New Zealand also disclosed that Devon Conway will undergo surgery for a thumb injury suffered during the T20I series, sidelining him for a minimum of 8 weeks. Henry Nicholls has been named as his replacement in the squad.

 

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