New Zealand hit by injury concerns ahead of West Indies series

After seam bowler Matt Henry was earlier ruled out of action for up to six weeks, Colin de Grandhomme, Neil Wagner and Ajaz Patel have joined the injury concerns list as they await scan results to assess the extent of their injuries.

Key fast bowler Wagner is coping with a niggle in the hip/groin region but is hopeful of making a comeback in the fourth round of the Plunket Shield, the domestic tournament, which begins on 14 November, although the extent of his injury will be confirmed by scan results on 5 November.

Scan results are also awaited for all-rounder de Grandhomme (right foot) and spinner Patel (calf) to determine the next steps towards their recovery. New Zealand's international summer gets under way on 27 November when they take on West Indies at home for three T20Is and two Tests. The national team management will be closely tracking each individual, according to the Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead.

"Injuries are always a concern and we’re certainly monitoring each case closely with our medical staff," said Stead.

"Wagner and 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."

Meanwhile, Tim Southee (back niggle) and Henry Nicholls (calf) are both expected to be fit for round four of the Plunket Shield, added Stead.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson also struggled with a quadricep injury in the ongoing Indian Premier League and missed a few games but has returned to action since then.