Rachin Shows Positive Signs but Needs More Time to Recover: NZ Coach Stead
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Karachi, Feb 14 (NationPress) New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead informed that Rachin Ravindra is not yet fully fit following an injury from the first match against Pakistan in the Tri-Nation Series, with the opener experiencing headaches after a blow to the forehead.
Key Takeaways
- Rachin Ravindra is recovering from a head injury.
- He experienced headaches for several days.
- Stead is following strict head injury protocols.
- Lockie Ferguson is making progress after a hamstring injury.
- New Zealand faces Afghanistan in a warm-up match.
Karachi, Feb 14 (NationPress) New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead has disclosed that star batter Rachin Ravindra is still not fully fit after an injury sustained during the opening match against Pakistan in the current Tri-Nation Series, as the opener has experienced a headache for several days following a significant blow to the forehead.
Ravindra had to leave the field after being hit in the forehead while attempting to catch the ball during the 38th over of their ODI tri-series match against Pakistan last week.
The 25-year-old was absent from New Zealand's win over South Africa, which earned them a place in the final in Karachi on Friday. Stead noted that while Ravindra returned to the nets on Thursday evening, he is still not prepared to play.
“The encouraging news is that he’s making good progress. We are currently adhering to the head injury assessment protocols,” Stead stated in a video shared by BlackCaps on social media.
“He’s been experiencing a headache for a few days, but that is diminishing, which is excellent news. He faced a few balls tonight for the first time, which is positive, yet there are still several more steps for him to complete before he can be deemed fit for play,” he added.
Stead also updated on veteran pacer Lockie Ferguson, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the ILT20. “Lockie has had a couple of bowling sessions since arriving here. He increased the intensity a bit more tonight,” Stead mentioned.
“I’m pleased with his progress, and we aim to have him participate in one of the next two matches. If anyone has minor niggles, we are likely to take a cautious approach, especially with the Champions Trophy approaching.”
New Zealand is set to compete in a warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against the hosts Pakistan on February 19.
