All through the Test series between New Zealand and West Indies, fast bowlers have been going down in the middle of games and that unfortunate trend continued with Kemar Roach unable to take part in the second day's play at Mount Maunganui. West Indies, who picked up only one wicket on the first day, were dealt a big blow when their senior bowler pulled up clutching his hamstring in the 89th over and walked off the field after completing it.

Roach did not take part in any of the morning warm-ups to start proceedings on Friday and it is unclear when he will be able to rejoin the side. There was confirmation, however on the broadcast, that he was unavailable for the second day's play. In addition to Roach, Shai Hope had to stay back in the hotel on account of being unwell.  West Indies are trailing the three-match Test series 1-0 and are staring at a huge first innings total with Devon Conway moving onto a double-century.

Their seam attack now relies on Jayden Seales, who has picked up only five wickets on tour in five innings, with support coming in the form of Anderson Phillip and Justin Greaves. Ojay Shields and Tagenarine Chanderpaul have been fighting niggles as well leading to a situation where when Greaves had to go off the field in the second session, Tauranga local boy Sebastian Heath, had to come in and sub for West Indies. 

New Zealand had to contend with losing resources mid-game earlier in the series. Matt Henry and Nathan Smith went down in Christchurch where West Indies were able to pull off a remarkable, backs-to-the-wall draw. Blair Tickner's participation in the second Test was also cut short.

Tom Blundell, among the batters, had gone down with a hamstring complaint on the first day of the series but has since recovered to take his place back in the third Test.  West Indies have lost six of the seven previous Tests they've played in the 2025-27 Championship. This is New Zealand's first series of the new cycle. They've drawn one game and won one game. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)