Black Caps bowlers out

Black Caps all-rounder Colin de Grandhommehas been ruled out of the upcoming test series against the West Indies due to bone bruising in his right foot.

He’s been replaced by Daryl Mitchell.

Spinnerajaz Patel’s left calf tear has improved, but not enough to be available for the first test starting next Thursday in Hamilton, with Mitchell Santner drafted into the squad as spin cover.

Santner, whois set to play the openingt20against thewindies at Eden Park tomorrownight after coming out ofmanaged isolation today, has also been confirmed to becomethe eighth Black Capst20 captainwhenhe takes over fromtim Southee for the third and final match of the series at Bay Oval on Monday.

Coach Gary Stead confirmed the changes.

“The unavailability of Colin and Ajaz has obviously had a flow-on effect to our T20squadwhoare providing the replacement players for the test squad,” he said.

“I highlighted last weekhowtight and complex the schedulewas— so whenyou throw insomeinjuries, it really begins to challengehowyou juggle your resources.

“Mitch and Daryl will be available for the final T20game, before linking upwith the test squadon Tuesday.

“They both proved lastsummerin the tests against England what they can do in our conditions with Mitch scoring a century and claiming three wickets at Bay Oval, while Daryl produced a polished half-century on debut at Seddon Park.

“I’d like to acknowledge Mitch Santner for taking on the responsibility to captain thet20side. It’s a great honour to lead your country and Iknowhis calm demeanour, along with the sheer amountof international experience he’s amassed in the past five years, will holdhim ingood stead.

“With just two days between the two series, we’vemadethe decision to have ourt20players, whoare also test regulars, assemble in Hamilton on themondayand that reflects our focus on theworld Test Championship.

“It’s disappointing for Colin to be ruled out completely and he’llnow target being fit and available for the Boxingday test at Bay Oval.

“Ajaz will join the team in Hamilton to have treatment and train. Wewill makea call on the second test in Wellington closer to the time.”

Since debuting in 2015, Santner’s played 138 times for the Black Caps.

His 52T20 wickets are themost by anyblack Caps bowler since his debut andhe is currently ranked sixth in the Icct20bowling rankings.