Uncapped fast bowler Michael Rae has been added to New Zealand’s Test squad for the second match against West Indies in Wellington, stepping in amid injuries to frontline seamers Matt Henry and Nathan Smith. The Wellington Test, starting December 10, comes just four days after the conclusion of the first Test in Christchurch, making squad depth crucial.
Rae, 30, has impressed in domestic cricket with Canterbury, taking 205 wickets in 69 first-class matches, including three five-wicket hauls, and has also played five matches for Warwickshire in county cricket. Standing at 6’6”, Rae’s height, ability to swing the new ball, and fuller length bowling could provide a significant edge for New Zealand, mirroring the impact of Kyle Jamieson.
With Tom Blundell sidelined by a hamstring injury, Mitch Hay is set to make his Test debut and take over the gloves from captain Tom Latham, who kept in Christchurch despite scoring a brilliant 145 in the second innings. Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner were unavailable in Christchurch due to injury, further highlighting the need for reinforcements.
Rae joins a young, tall Canterbury pace unit including Jamieson, Henry Shipley, and Zak Foulkes. New Zealand’s management will also monitor Jamieson’s recovery and Ben Sears’ readiness, although Sears is unlikely to feature in red-ball cricket yet. Rae’s call-up represents a timely solution to New Zealand’s injury woes and adds fresh firepower to their bowling attack for the upcoming Test in Wellington.
