Blackcaps v West Indies: BJ Watling set to return from injury for second test

  • 08/12/2020

Blackcaps keeper-batsman BJ Watling is confident he'll return from a brief injury absence for the second and final test against the West Indies on Friday.

The 70-test veteran missed the first test win  in Hamilton due to a hamstring injury, but expects to reclaim his spot in the starting XI at the Basin Reserve.

"It was pretty much around 95 percent yesterday and no dramas," Watling tells Newshub. "It felt pretty good.

"I've been through a few fitness tests and did a bit of training last week during the test match and it seems to have pulled up pretty good, so we'll see how the next few days go."

Will Young seems to be the likely candidate to make way for Watling, after filling in at the top of the order at Seddon Park.

Watling hasn't played for the Blackcaps since the February series against India, and is eager to rejoin the fray after taking in New Zealand's crushing win in the opening test from beyond the boundary last week.

"It was great to watch," he admits. "To be put in on a pretty green wicket, for the boys to score 520-odd. Kane did his thing and everyone chipped in around it

"I thought the boys toiled away brilliantly… to win the game inside four days was a good effort.

It will be more about adjusting to what we get down here at the Basin and making sure we're ready to go in these conditions as well."

The victory lifted the Blackcaps to fourth in the ICC's official world test championship standings, and another win would see them leapfrog England into third.

"Just taking each test match as it comes and dealing with what's put in front of you on the day is basically how we are going about it," Watling insists.

Join us for live updates of the second text against the West Indies from December 11