In a surprising turn of events, Tim Southee, the captain of the New Zealand cricket team, has dropped a massive hint about the potential return of retired player Neil Wagner for the second Test against Australia. The speculation arose after Will O’Rourke sustained a hamstring injury during the first Test in Wellington, forcing him off the field and raising doubts about his availability for the crucial upcoming match.
Southee’s Consideration of Wagner’s Comeback
With New Zealand trailing in the series and O’Rourke’s participation in the final match uncertain, Southee openly discussed the possibility of bringing back Neil Wagner. Wagner, who retired from international cricket just days before the series against Australia, might be given a chance to make a comeback due to the unexpected injury to O’Rourke.
The Injury and Uncertainty
O’Rourke’s hamstring injury occurred during the first Test, limiting him to only five deliveries in his eighth over. Subsequently, he remained off the field throughout Australia’s second innings. As the team faces a challenging situation, Southee acknowledged the need to make a crucial decision about who will fill the void left by O’Rourke in the upcoming match.
Southee’s Words on Wagner
In a post-match interview quoted by Cricinfo, Southee expressed the team’s consideration of Neil Wagner as a potential option. Southee, while being cautious about prematurely finalizing decisions, stated, “We haven’t had a lot of discussions as yet. We’ll see how Will scrubs up. The physio hasn’t sort of put a timeframe on it or how bad it is. We obviously have to go on and make a decision on who comes in and what role we sort of see that playing out in Christchurch.”
Wagner’s Resonance with Fans
Adding to the intrigue, Southee highlighted Wagner’s popularity among fans, mentioning the warm reception the retired player received during the past week. Despite officially retiring, Wagner has continued to stay engaged with the squad, participating in training sessions and even serving as a substitute fielder during the first Test.
A Surprise Retirement and the Potential Comeback
Neil Wagner had initially declared his retirement just before the commencement of the Test series against Australia. Although included in the squad, he was informed that he would not be part of the playing XI for either of the two matches. However, with the unexpected turn of events and O’Rourke’s injury, Wagner might find himself back in action for the second Test scheduled to start on March 8.
In conclusion, the cricketing world awaits official updates on O’Rourke’s condition and the potential comeback of Neil Wagner, adding an unexpected twist to the ongoing series between New Zealand and Australia.
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