Synopsis
New Zealand's Tom Latham is sidelined from the ODI series against Pakistan due to a fractured right hand. Henry Nicholls will replace him, with Michael Bracewell continuing as captain. Will Young will also miss matches for family reasons, with Rhys Mariu stepping in. The ODI squad is preparing for the opening game in Napier.Key Takeaways
- Tom Latham ruled out of ODI series with fractured hand.
- Henry Nicholls to replace him in the squad.
- Michael Bracewell continues as captain.
- Will Young leaves for personal reasons, Rhys Mariu joins the squad.
- Squad is preparing for the opening game in Napier.
Napier, March 27 (NationPress) New Zealand wicket-keeper batter Tom Latham has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan due to a fractured right hand, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket on Thursday.
Latham sustained the injury when he was hit on the hand by a delivery during a training session this week. An X-ray has shown the fracture, necessitating a cast and a minimum of four weeks for rest and recovery.
Head coach Gary Stead announced that Henry Nicholls will step in for Latham in the squad. Meanwhile, current T20I captain Michael Bracewell will continue to lead the team in the ODIs, with Mitch Hay taking over the wicket-keeping role.
“Henry has been performing well since returning from a three-month injury layoff and brings valuable skills and experience to the team. It’s certainly disappointing to lose Tom as captain just before the series, and we wish him a swift recovery. The team is in capable hands with Michael, who has done an excellent job during the T20I series,” said Stead.
Nicholls, who boasts 78 ODI caps, has missed a significant portion of this season due to a calf strain incurred in November but has made a strong comeback this month, scoring over 50 runs in five of his six domestic innings.
The selectors also announced that opener Will Young will withdraw from the ODI squad for the second and third matches to be with his wife as they await the birth of their first child.
Young is set to participate in Saturday’s opening game in his hometown of Napier before being replaced in the squad by Rhys Mariu, a 23-year-old batsman from Canterbury making his debut call-up as batting cover, according to a statement from NZC.
“We’ve had to be adaptable this tour due to several players being unavailable for various reasons. However, this situation provides opportunities for other players, and we’re pleased to welcome Rhys into the fold for the first time and to have Henry back,” Stead commented.
“We wish Will and his wife Elise all the best as they prepare for their first child, which is a significant and exciting moment for them,” he added.
The New Zealand ODI squad gathered in Napier on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s opening match at McLean Park.
