New Zealand quintet suffer injuries ahead of West Indies clashes

Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme are all nursing issues ahead of the T20 and Test series. Matt Henry is already a major doubt with a broken thumb

• Matt Henry a doubt for start of New Zealand international summer after breaking thumb

Five more New Zealand players are nursing injuries ahead of the T20 and Test series against West Indies later this month.

Neil Wagner, Colin de Grandhomme and Ajaz Patel are all awaiting the results of scans hip, foot and calf issues.

Tim Southee is struggling with a back problem while Henry Nicholls also has a calf issue, though the pair are expected to be available for round four of the Plunket Shield.

Matt Henry has already been ruled out for six weeks with a broken thumb, which could see him miss the start of the summer.

"Injuries are always a concern and we're certainly monitoring each case closely with our medical staff," said coach Gary Stead. "Tim Southee and Henry Nicholls are both expected to be fit for round four of the Plunket Shield.

"Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme both have niggles and we are awaiting scan results on their respective injuries to ascertain the next steps.

"Likewise, Ajaz Patel had a scan on his left calf after suffering a setback in his return to play rehabilitation. An update on Neil, Ajaz and Colin will be provided once their scan results have been received and assessed."

West Indies face New Zealand in three T20s on November 27, 29 and 30. Both nations face-off in two Tests on December 2-6 and 10-15.

Some of the squad have already arrived in the country, but the likes of Jason Holder, Shimron Hetmyer, Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran are yet to arrive from the Indian Premier League.

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