New Zealand Adjusts ODI Squad Ahead of Matches Against India
New Zealand Makes Squad Adjustments for ODI Series
New Zealand has announced further modifications to their lineup for the ongoing five-match ODI series against India. Fast bowlers Blair Tickner and Lockie Ferguson have been ruled out, while Matt Henry is also set to miss the third match as he continues his recovery from an injury. Tickner sustained a blow while batting during the second ODI in Wellington and will be absent for the next two matches. To cover for him, Northern Districts fast bowler Kristian Clarke has been added to the squad. Although Tickner has been cleared of concussion, he must adhere to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) mandatory seven-day stand-down period after being replaced in the playing XI by Matt Fisher.
Updates on Injuries and Player Availability
Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out for the remainder of the ODI series as he continues to recover from a low-grade right calf tear sustained during the T20I series. Additionally, Matt Henry will miss the third ODI in Hamilton due to an injury incurred during a training collision with teammate Devon Conway. He is expected to target a return for the fourth ODI.
"Lockie Ferguson will not participate in ODIs four and five as he has not fully recovered from his calf injury. Matt Henry, who was initially cleared of concussion after his collision, was reassessed and advised to aim for a return in the fourth ODI," the statement indicated.
Preparations for Upcoming Tests
Henry and Kyle Jamieson, who were initially set to join the Test camp after the third ODI, will now stay with the squad for the fourth match. New Zealand has yet to announce their squad for the fifth and final ODI. However, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, and Nathan Smith will depart Hamilton on Wednesday to begin preparations for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against India, making them unavailable for the final ODI.
"Henry and Kyle Jamieson will remain with the squad for the fourth match instead of heading to the Test camp. Two additional players are expected to be added to the squad for games four and five. The BLACKCAPS Test squad to face India will be announced shortly," the release concluded.
Current Series Status
India currently leads the five-match series 2-0, with the third ODI scheduled to take place in Hamilton on Tuesday.
New Zealand Squad for Upcoming ODIs
New Zealand squad for the 3rd ODI: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
New Zealand squad for the 4th ODI: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert, Will Young.