West Indies suffered another setback on the opening day of the third Test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, as senior fast bowler Kemar Roach is set to miss the second day’s play due to a hamstring injury. The experienced pacer pulled up in visible discomfort during the 89th over, clutching his hamstring after completing it before walking off the field. He did not take part in the morning warm-up session on day two, and his return to the match remains uncertain.
Roach’s injury adds to a growing
list of fast bowlers from both sides who have broken down during the series. West Indies already endured a difficult first day with the ball, managing to take only one New Zealand wicket while conceding heavy runs. The absence of their most senior seamer further weakens an attack that has struggled for consistency throughout the tour.
To compound their problems, batter Shai Hope remained in the team hotel on the second morning after falling ill, leaving the visitors short on resources yet again. The West Indies bowling unit has been under scrutiny, with Jayden Seales managing just five wickets across five innings so far. Anderson Phillip and all-rounder Justin Greaves have provided support, but sustained pressure has been hard to come by.
Injuries and niggles have affected the wider West Indies camp as well. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Ojay Shields have been managing fitness concerns, and when Greaves briefly left the field during the second session on day one, New Zealand local Sebastian Heath had to come on as a substitute fielder for the visitors.
New Zealand has not been immune to similar issues. Earlier in the series at Christchurch, Matt Henry and Nathan Smith were forced off the field, while Blair Tickner’s involvement in the second Test was curtailed. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell also suffered a hamstring problem on the opening day of the first Test but made his return in the third match.
