New Zealand Faces Injury Challenges Ahead of ODI Series Against India
Injury Woes for New Zealand Ahead of ODI Series
Auckland [New Zealand], November 2: New Zealand is grappling with a major setback as they prepare for their upcoming five-match ODI series against India, with both Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra sidelined due to injuries.
The ODI series kicks off on November 4 in Auckland, followed by matches in Wellington and Hamilton for the second and third games. The final two ODIs will take place in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15, concluding the series.
Chapman is still recovering from a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for at least another two weeks. On the other hand, Ravindra is facing a shoulder issue, prompting the Black Caps to allow him extra time to heal before the two-match ICC World Test Championship series against India later this month.
With both players unavailable, wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert will participate in all five ODIs. Additionally, Henry Nicholls has been named for the first three matches, while Dean Foxcroft will join the squad for the last two games.
New Zealand's head coach Rob Walter expressed that the absence of Chapman and Ravindra is a significant loss for the team but remains optimistic about the squad's depth and quality to manage without them.
“Everyone knows how valuable Mark and Rachin are to our team, so it’s unfortunate they will miss this series,” Walter stated. “I spoke with Mark last week, and while he is disappointed, he is diligently working to return. Rachin’s shoulder hasn’t fully healed to the point where he can comfortably field in white-ball cricket, and with the Test series approaching, we don’t want to take any risks. We’re happy to bring in Henry, who is familiar with the team, and Dean, who recently played in the ODIs against the West Indies,” he added.
New Zealand squad for the first three games: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Blair Tickner.
New Zealand squad for games 4 and 5: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert, Blair Tickner, Will Young.