The ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan has become challenging for the Black Caps because of Tom Latham’s broken right hand. The wicketkeeper-batter requires at minimum four weeks to recover from his injury sustained during a training session. The team received Henry Nicholls as their replacement while Michael Bracewell serves as head coach in place of Latham.
After defeating the Men in Green 4-1 in the T20I series, the Black Caps will go into the ODI portion of the tour. Latham’s injury has already prompted questions, as the hosts were hoping to maintain that momentum into the ODIs. During a net practice earlier this week, Latham, who was supposed to captain the team while Mitchell Santner was playing in the IPL, was hit in the right hand. He was disqualified from the series after X-rays verified the fracture.
Mitch Hay will now take over as wicketkeeper, and Bracewell, who led New Zealand to victory in the T20I series, will remain as captain of the ODI team. Furthermore, Will Young will go to be with his wife prior to the birth of their first child, therefore he will not be available following the first ODI in Napier. Rhys Mariu, a 23-year-old hitter who has not yet been capped, has been called up to the team for the first time in his absence.
Coach Gary Stead Opens Up on Squad Changes and Player Chances
After a solid domestic showing, Nicholls, who last participated in an international match against Sri Lanka in November of last year, rejoins the team. In his last six innings, Nicholls has scored five runs of 50 or more, despite missing a large chunk of the season because of a calf injury.
“We’ve had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons. 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. Henry’s been in good form since returning from his three-month injury lay-off, and he’ll add valuable skills and experience to the team.” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said in a statement.
The three-match ODI series begins on March 29 at McLean Park in Napier. On April 2 and 5, respectively, matches will be played in Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.
