NZ vs SL: Neil Wagner gets ruled of second Test due to multiple injuries; Doug Bracewell called up

New Zealand's left-arm quick Neil Wagner has been ruled out of the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka after a scan on Sunday revealed that he has a torn right hamstring and a bulging disc in his back.

The pacer complained of pain on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test between the hosts and the Lankan Lions at the Hagley Oval and hence was taken away for scans to diagnose the problem.

The injury to Wagner is a major blow to the Black Caps as the left-arm seamer is a key to their pace attack led by skipper Tim Southee. Him getting sidelined due to injury will put a lot of pressure on Matt Henry, Blair Tickner and Southee himself. Wagner's void is huge and the Black Caps have called up right-arm seam bowling all-rounder Doug Bracewell to fill it.

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UPDATE | Neil Wagner has been ruled out of the second Dulux Test against Sri Lanka after a scan today revealed he has a bulging disc in his back and a torn right hamstring. Wagner felt pain on Day 3 at Hagley and the scan today revealed the extent of his injuries. #NZvSL

10:50 AM · Mar 12, 2023

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Wagner was able to produce wicket-taking spells for the Kiwis in the recently concluded home series against England. He bagged a four-for against the Three Lions in the first Test in Mount Maunganui and backed it up with another four-for in the second and the last Test of the series in Wellington.

Hence, his unavailability is going to hurt the hosts badly in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the ongoing Test at the Hagley Oval is hanging in fine balance as both sides have an equal chance of winning it.

The Tim Southee-led side is chasing a target of 285 runs in the fourth innings and are 28/1 at stumps on Day 4. They require 257 runs more to win the contest and take a lead in the series. They have Tom Latham and Kane Williamson batting for them in the middle and a lot will rest on their shoulders on Day 5.

The hosts suffered a setback in the dying moments of Day 4 when Sri Lankan seamer Kasun Rajitha grabbed a caught and bowled opportunity to dismiss opener Devon Conway. Conway perished at an individual score of 5. The Sri Lankans have to win the game to stay in contention of the WTC final race.

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