New Zealand have suffered a double injury setback ahead of their five-match T20I series against India, with Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes ruled out of the contest.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner will replace the injured players in the squad.
Chapman sustained a tear in his left hamstring during the European T20 Premier League last month. He has yet to recover but is expected to return for the subsequent ODI series against India.
Foulkes injured his right hip flexor during a recent training session with Canterbury. NZC said his recovery timeline remains uncertain.
“I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery,” head coach Rob Walter said.
“We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very excited to be involved in what’s shaping up to be an epic T20 series.”
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Ravindra Also Ruled Out
New Zealand had already lost all-rounder Rachin Ravindra to a shoulder injury sustained during a promotional shoot. He landed awkwardly on a safety mat while attempting a catch.
On September 23, NZC said Ravindra would need around six weeks to recover. He is also expected to return for the ODI series.
Milne Eyes T20I Return
Fast bowler Adam Milne could play his first T20I in more than a year as New Zealand prepare for a challenging series against India.
Milne is part of a pace attack featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy and Tickner. All-rounders Nathan Smith and Clarkson add further depth to the squad.
The five-match T20I series will run from October 22 to November 1. The teams will then contest five ODIs from November 4 to 15, followed by a two-Test series.
New Zealand Squad for India T20I Series
Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner.
