Tom Blundell certain for the 2nd Test as BJ Watling is yet to recover

Tom Blundell became the 11th batsman to score a hundred on debut in Tests for New Zealand. The young sensation scored an unbeaten 107 and helped the Kiwis post 520/9 on the board. The 27-year-old is likely to get the nod ahead of BJ Watling, who is currently under the cloud of hip injury. Watling is unlikely to play a part in the 2nd Test against West Indies, starting in Hamilton on Saturday.

It won’t be easy for the selectors once Watling comes back in the scheme of things, as New Zealand will play England in a day-night Test in March.

Williamson monitoring Watling’s progress

Skipper Kane Williamson is following Watling’s progress as he said the hundred he scored in domestic cricket was a top knock.”He got a hundred yesterday and played really well and cramped up and got run out which is worth a look on YouTube,” captain Kane Williamson quipped.

He added that Watling is a world-class player. “BJ has been a world class player for us for a number of years and is obviously battling with a few niggles at the moment. We’re monitoring his progress.”

On Blundell’s knock, the skipper said “He [Blundell] was brilliant throughout, to play a knock like he did,” said Williamson of Blundell’s 107 not out.

“In your first test there’s always pressure and a few nerves, but to take the game that much further, get underway and pick up the run rate with the lower order… he’s a mature guy and played a lot of cricket. It was great having him in the group.”

NZ probables for the 2nd Test:

Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Blundell, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, George Worker.