Michael Rae Joins New Zealand Squad for Second Test Against West Indies
Michael Rae Receives First Test Call-Up
Christchurch, New Zealand - December 7: Uncapped fast bowler Michael Rae has been selected for New Zealand's squad ahead of the second Test in the three-match series against the West Indies, as reported by a sports news outlet.
The 30-year-old pacer has earned his first Test call-up following injuries to Matt Henry, who has a calf issue, and Nathan Smith, who is dealing with a side injury sustained during the first Test in Christchurch.
According to the same report, both Henry and Smith are uncertain for the upcoming second Test, which is set to commence on December 10 in Wellington.
Rae recently showcased his skills in the Plunket Shield, where he took 3 wickets for 65 runs in his first innings against Central Districts.
In addition to his domestic performance, Rae has played county cricket for Warwickshire, where he secured 14 wickets at an average of 30.28. Across 69 First-Class matches, he has accumulated a total of 205 wickets, including eight four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls.
The first Test of this series concluded in a draw, with the West Indies batting for 164 overs in their second innings. Star batter Just Greaves made headlines by becoming the fourth player from his nation to score a double century in the fourth innings of a Test match.
Greaves achieved his first double-Test century, finishing with an impressive 202 not out from 388 balls, which included 19 boundaries.
Kemar Roach also played a crucial role, contributing 58 runs off 233 balls, helping the West Indies to bat through 164 overs and avoid defeat.
With this performance, Greaves joins an elite group of West Indies players, including George Headley (223), Gordon Greenidge (214), and Kyle Mayers (210*), who have all scored double centuries in the fourth innings of a Test match.
Overall, Greaves is now the seventh player in history to achieve this feat, joining legends like Nathan Astle (222), Sunil Gavaskar (221), and Bill Edrich (219). The West Indies managed to score 457 runs for 6 wickets in 163.3 overs while chasing a daunting target of 561.