Pakistan vs New Zealand ODIs: New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman, Tom Latham has been ruled out of the Pakistan vs New Zealand ODIs after he fractured his hand during the training session ahead of the longer white-ball format.
Michael Bracewell led New Zealand in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan that recently concluded with a 4-1 win in favor of the home side, New Zealand, on the 27th of this month. Bracewell will continue as the skipper of the ODI side as well in the absence of the full-time skipper, Mitchell Santner, and Tom Latham as well.
Latham was earlier announced as the skipper of the New Zealand side for the Pakistan vs New Zealand ODIs after Mitchell Santner parted ways for starring in the IPL. In the training session during batting in the nets, he was hit on his right arm; later, x-rays confirmed the extent of his injury.
Henry Nicholls will once again be seen on the New Zealand side for the ODIs, and Mitch Hay, who was also seen in New Zealand colours during the T20 series, has been named the ideal replacement for an injured Latham in the Pakistan vs New Zealand ODIs.
“We’ve had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “What it does do is offer opportunities to other players and it’s nice to introduce Rhys into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose Tom as captain on the eve of the series, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The side is in safe hands with Michael, who’s done a great job through the T20I series.
Pile of uncapped Players in Pakistan vs New Zealand ODIs
Will Young, the new opener for New Zealand, will be available only in the first ODI, which will be played in his home ground, Napier. He will then head for the birth of his first child, and New Zealand has announced 23-year-old youngster Rhys Mariu as his replacement.
“Finally we wish Will and his wife Elise, all the best next week as they await their first child, which is such a special and important time for them,” said Gary Stead wishing luck to the to-be parents.
Earlier, Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly, the uncapped duo from New Zealand, were called in after Kane Williamson opted out of the series, owing to his recent role as a cricket analyst in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
