New Zealand Calls Up Michael Rae for Second Test Against West Indies

Michael Rae has been named in New Zealand’s Test squad for the upcoming match against the West Indies in Wellington, following injuries to key players. The uncapped fast bowler from Canterbury joins the squad as Matt Henry and Nathan Smith are sidelined with injuries sustained during the first Test in Christchurch.

The second Test is set to commence on December 10, 2025, just four days after the conclusion of the Christchurch match. Henry is dealing with a calf injury, while Smith is nursing a side issue, both of which leave New Zealand’s bowling attack significantly weakened. This situation has prompted the selection of Rae, who could make his Test debut alongside his teammate Mitch Hay, also in line for a potential first appearance.

Injury Concerns and Team Adjustments

With injuries impacting the squad, New Zealand’s management is under pressure to adapt quickly. The absence of Henry and Smith has reduced the pace attack to just two frontline seamers, placing considerable strain on the remaining bowlers. Rae, who has shown impressive form in domestic cricket, took 3 for 65 in a recent Plunket Shield match against Central Districts before sitting out the second innings to focus on his potential Test selection.

Rae’s height, standing at 6 feet 6 inches, provides New Zealand with a unique advantage, reminiscent of the strengths offered by his Canterbury colleague Kyle Jamieson. Both bowlers are adept at delivering fuller lengths and swinging the new ball, adding depth to the team’s strategy.

Paul Wiseman, the Black Caps talent manager, remarked on the physical attributes of the Canterbury attack, saying, “It’s got to be one of the tallest bowling attacks in the world.” He noted that having players like Rae and Jamieson together could create a challenging scenario for opposing batsmen.

Domestic Performance and Future Prospects

Rae has accumulated extensive experience in domestic cricket, featuring in 69 first-class matches and claiming 205 wickets at an average of 33.06. His performances also include a stint with Warwickshire in county cricket, where he took 14 wickets at an average of 30.28.

As New Zealand prepares for the Test, the team management is closely monitoring Kyle Jamieson, who is returning to the Plunket Shield, and Ben Sears, who is currently participating in white-ball club cricket in Melbourne. Sears, managing his recovery from injuries, is unlikely to return to red-ball cricket soon, as confirmed by New Zealand bowling coach Jacob Oram.

In addition to the fast bowling adjustments, New Zealand faces a further challenge with Tom Blundell sidelined due to a hamstring injury. This opens the door for Mitch Hay to step into the wicketkeeping role, taking over from captain Tom Latham, who has been managing the workload behind the stumps.

As the team prepares for this crucial Test, the focus remains on building a competitive squad capable of overcoming the challenges posed by the West Indies. The upcoming match will not only be significant for Rae and Hay but is also crucial for New Zealand’s standing in the ongoing series.