CALF INJURY HAMPERS NICHOLLS

Henry Nicholls is a doubt for New Zealand’s first Test against England at Lord’s starting on June 2 after sustaining a grade one calf strain during a pre-tour training camp.

The left-handed middle-order batter, who has amassed 2,544 in 46 Tests at an average of 40.38, had an MRI scan on his right calf after feeling discomfort in a running session in Mount Maunganui.

While he will still make the trip to England for next month’s three Test matches, he seems set to miss their two warm-ups and could even be out of commission for the series opener at the home of cricket.

New Zealand – who have named an initial 20-man squad, which will drop to 15 men – finished their three-day training camp yesterday and will head for England in two groups this weekend.

However, captain Kane Williamson, batter Devon Conway, allrounder Daryl Mitchell and seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee remain at the Indian Premier League.