New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has given an update on star batsman Rachin Ravindra’s fitness, where the young opener is still recuperating from a head injury sustained while trying to take a catch in the 38th over of the first match against Pakistan in the current Tri-Nation Series. Ravindra received a nasty forehead blow while trying to take a catch and was forced to leave the field immediately.
The 25-year-old was suffering from a headache for some days, keeping him out of New Zealand’s decisive victory against South Africa. Though he started bowling again during Thursday night practice, Stead assured that Ravindra was not match-fit yet.
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“Good news is he’s progressing and we’re taking the head injury assessment protocols to the letter,” Gary Stead was quoted as saying in a video posted by BlackCaps on social media. “His headaches are slowly easing off, which is a good sign. He got a few swings in the nets tonight, but there are a couple of more steps before we can clear him for selection.”
“He’s had a headache for a few days, but that’s subsiding, which is really good news,”
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed that Rachin Ravindra is still recovering from his facial injury.#RachinRavindra #NZvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy https://t.co/ktAZpC7mom
— India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) February 14, 2025
In the meantime, Gary Stead also gave an update on veteran pacer Lockie Ferguson, who has been nursing a hamstring injury he picked up during the ILT20.
“Lockie has had a couple of bowling sessions since arriving here, and he increased his intensity a bit more tonight,” Gary Stead said. “He’s tracking well, and we’re looking to have him play in one of the next two matches. With the Champions Trophy coming up, we’re being cautious with any minor injuries.”
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New Zealand will warm up against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday as part of their preparation for the Champions Trophy. Their campaign starts on February 19 against hosts Pakistan, and the team is keeping a close eye on player fitness to make a strong start to the tournament.
