New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls to undergo further concussion tests before continuing innings

The 28-year-old, who ended the second day unbeaten on 26, was hit by a bouncer from Jofra Archer in the penultimate over of the final session at Mount Maunganui

New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls will undergo concussion checks before being allowed to continue his innings on Saturday after being struck on the helmet against England.

The 28-year-old, who ended the second day unbeaten on 26, was hit by a bouncer from Jofra Archer in the penultimate over of the final session at Mount Maunganui.

Although the left-hander successfully passed an immediate, on-field test and was able to continue at the time, he will have to come through further assessments overnight and ahead of the start of play on the third day.

If he shows signs of delayed concussion, he will be replaced by Tom Blundell, who captained New Zealand A in England’s second practice game.

Blundell made 60 in the first innings of that game and was a member of the Blackcaps’ World Cup squad, though he never made it onto the field despite scoring a ton in a warmup match against West Indies.

The same happened to Steve Smith at Lord’s during the summer’s Ashes series after himself being struck by Archer; the Australia batsman passed an initial test but exhibited signs of delayed concussion later. He was withdrawn from the remainder of the game and replaced by Marnus Labuschagne, who became Test cricket’s first concussion substitute.

“He’ll be assessed later on tonight and again in the morning, that’s the protocol,” said Tim Southee, who had earlier sparked England’s batting collapse, dismissing Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope and Sam Curran in quick succession.

“He’s shaping up all right at the moment, so fingers crossed he’ll be right. He’s a pretty tough character so he’ll rest up tonight, a couple of Panadol and be back out there tomorrow.”

Since Labuschagne became Test cricket’s first concussion substitute - the law was introduced on August 1, Jermaine Blackwood has replaced Darren Bravo after the latter was injured against India, while Theunis de Bruyn came in for Dean Elgar after the opening batsman was hit against the same opponents.

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