Black Caps all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against England after a scan revealed an injury to his right plantar fascia (heel). The incident happened when he was bowling in the second innings. While bowling the fifth ball in the fourth over, he felt his feet dragged and could not even complete his over.
This is a big setback for New Zealand as Colin de Grandhomme is a multi-dimensional player and his bowling suits England’s home conditions. The team has already borne the brunt of his ouster, Grandhomme had also taken the wicket of Ben Stokes in the second innings but it was a no ball that gave Stokes a lifeline and Colin D in the very next over. Grandhomme was ruled out of the game due to injury.
Steve Smith Relieved From “Mr. Fix It” Tag, Now Will Play Freely
Wellington Firebirds all-rounder Michael Bracewell, who was in the squad for the first Test as cover for Henry Nicholls, has been added for the remainder of the series as a replacement for de Grandhomme. Coach Gary Stead said de Grandhomme would take 10 to 12 weeks to recover.
“It is a real disappointment for Colin to suffer this injury so early in the series. He is a big part of our Test team and we will definitely miss him,” Stead said.
“It’s great to be able to call on someone like Michael who has been with the team for the past month and is ready for the match.”
The Blackcaps have moved to Nottingham on Tuesday ahead of the second Test at Trent Bridge starting on Friday. The second match will be played here and here, England has good record.