NZ’s de Grandhomme ruled out of Pakistan Tests

Karachi: New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has been ruled out of the two-Test series against Pakistan with a foot injury.

Kiwis’ head coach Gary Stead said that the 34-year-old de Grandhomme has a stress reaction on his right foot.

“We still haven’t been able to get him back to running and then obviously bowling as well. Looking like hopefully a mid-January return,” Stead said.

New Zealand is still hopeful that their first-choice spinner Azaj Patel would be available for the series against Pakistan.

Patel would spend time with New Zealand ‘A’ side in Whangarei to test the recovery of a lingering calf injury.

“We are hoping he will be in contention for the test matches against Pakistan, but it’s still a bit wait and see,” Stead added.

Both De Grandhomme and Patel missed the Test series against West Indies which Kiwis won 2-0. Meanwhile, Stead revealed that skipper Kane Williamson is expected to join the side before the second T20I on December 20th.

Williamson withdrew from the second West Indies Test to be with his pregnant wife, Sarah. Williamson’s first child is expected at any time, although Stead said it was still a waiting game at this stage.

Note, New Zealand will face Pakistan in the first T20I in Auckland on December 18. The first Test of the two-match series will commence from December 26 at Mount Maunganui.

Read: Ramiz unhappy with Queenstown’s training facilities for Pakistan team

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