New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner has vowed to return to Test cricket despite concerns over the severity of his recent injury. Wagner suffered a torn right hamstring and bulging disc in his back while preparing to bowl during Sri Lanka's second innings in the first Test at the Hagley Oval on Saturday.
Despite his injury, Wagner managed to help New Zealand clinch a last-gasp victory against Sri Lanka in the first Test. He courageously came out to bat, pushing through the pain barrier alongside Kane Williamson to score a bye off the final ball of the test, which helped New Zealand secure a two-wicket win.
Wagner will not be able to play in the second Test, which starts on Friday, and is expected to be sidelined for at least the next 6-10 weeks. However, he won't require surgery, which is seen as a silver lining, according to a report in stuff.co.nz.
Wagner, who has been dealing with bursitis in his foot since 2014, is highly motivated for home Tests against Australia and South Africa next summer. He is determined to make a comeback and prove his doubters wrong, saying that he has made a career out of proving people wrong.
The Black Caps will play their next Test series in November when they tour Bangladesh for two Tests, which is expected to give Wagner enough time to recover from his injury.
Wagner believes that the injury he suffered on Saturday may have been due to other parts of his body overcompensating to carry a load. Before the Test against Sri Lanka, he had a cortisone injection to try and settle the foot pain down.
He is now focused on recovering from this injury as soon as possible and getting ready for the next challenge.