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Kai Schwoerer / Getty Images
BJ Watling missed the first test between New Zealand and the West Indies in Hamilton.
Veteran goalie-hitter BJ Watling is set to return from injury to play for New Zealand in Test 2 against the West Indies.
Watling missed his first test win at Hamilton with a hamstring injury, but said Tuesday that he is close to being in top form and confident he would be ready.
The second and final test of the series begins at the Cuenca Reserve on Friday.
“He seems to be progressing pretty well,” Watling said.
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“I went through some fitness tests and did a bit of training last week during the test match and he seems to have improved quite a bit, so we’ll see how it goes in the next few days.”
Watling said he would have to pass more fitness tests on Wednesday.
“Pretty much full bat, full wicket maintenance, sprinting, just what I need to do in a game. Yesterday it was almost 95 percent and there were no dramas, so it felt pretty good. “
If Watling is in shape, rookie starter Will Young will lose his spot, with Tom Blundell, who took over maintenance duties and hit No. 6, to lead off batting alongside Tom Latham.
Meanwhile, the Windies have been forced to make at least two changes to their XI.
Pace bowler Kemar Roach and goalkeeper Shane Dowrich return home: Roach’s father died last week, while Dowrich was unable to stay in the first test due to injury.
Dowrich will be replaced by Joshua Da Silva, who will make his test debut. The 22-year-old has been playing for the West Indies A-team on tour here. Chemar Holder can also debut to the rhythm of Roach.
