“At this stage our expectation is that this is a short-term injury”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia stand-in captain Matthew Wade is in a race against time to be fit for the second ODI against New Zealand in Napier on Thursday.

Wade, who replaced regular skipper Steven Smith as captain for the ongoing Chappell-Hadlee series, was ruled out of the first ODI, which New Zealand won by six runs, after complaining of pain in his back.

Opening batsman Aaron Finch was named captain in his place, while Peter Handscomb took over the wicketkeeping duties for the opening game.

Speaking about Wade’s condition, Dr John Orchard, Cricket Australia’s chief medical officer, admitted that he is unsure whether the 29-year-old will be fit enough for the second ODI.

“Matthew injured his back at the end of Sunday’s training session and, with the short turnaround between then and the start of this match, he was not fit enough for today as, when we checked him out this morning, he was unable to perform at the appropriate level,” Orchard said. “We will make a decision on his availability for Thursday’s match in Napier in due course but at this stage our expectation is that this is a short-term injury.”