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New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC), on Monday, announced that their fast bowler Adam Milne will no longer be available for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan and India due to concerns about his fitness.
Notably, Milne had some tightness in his hamstring at the end of the home series against India in November 2022, due to which he missed two games in the Ford Trophy – New Zealand’s domestic 50-over tournament – for Wellington in December.
The 30-year-old pacer did play the first couple of matches of the ongoing Super Smash – the domestic T20 competition – but the management considered the workload of upcoming six ODIs in a span of 16 days a bit too much of a risk.
“Adam was very upfront with us about his concerns around the lack of one-day bowling loading for the upcoming tours. After chatting to him, we agreed his preparation leading into the tour wouldn’t be sufficient for him to cope with the demands of back-to-back, three-game ODI series. We appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down,” said New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen as quoted by the Stuff.
Central Stags pace bowler Blair Tickner, who is already part of New Zealand’s Test squad in Pakistan, has been picked as Milne’s replacement. Tickner has so far played six ODIs for his side, in which he has taken nine wickets.
“Blair’s skills at bowling through the middle and his ability to hit the pitch hard make him a similar prospect to what Adam offered us. The fact he’s already in Pakistan experiencing the conditions is an added bonus,” added Larsen.
The Black Caps’ ODI squad will leave for Pakistan on January 4 for three ODIs on January 9, 11 and 13 before departing to India for as many ODIs on January 18, 21 and 24.
New Zealand squad for ODI series in Pakistan and India (Updated):
Kane Williamson (capt – only for Pakistan ODIs), Tom Latham (capt – India ODIs), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman (India ODIs only), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy (India ODIs only), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (Pakistan ODIs only), Blair Tickner.
