New Zealand have suffered a double injury setback ahead of their five-match ODI series against India, with Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman ruled out as they continue their recovery from shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Monday said that Ravindra’s right shoulder has not recovered sufficiently for him to field at full capacity, while Chapman requires a further two weeks of rehabilitation following an MRI scan on his left hamstring.
The series begins on Wednesday at Eden Park in Auckland.
The second and third ODIs will be held in in Wellington and Hamilton respectively before the final two ODIs in Tauranga.
The changes have also prompted a reshuffle of New Zealand’s squad.
Tim Seifert, who was initially selected
for the fourth and fifth ODIs, will now be available for the entire series. Henry Nicholls has been added for the first three matches, while Dean Foxcroft will join the squad for the final two games.
Nicholls earned his call-up after scoring his 13th List A century, an impressive 119 for Canterbury in their second Ford Trophy match against the Wellington Firebirds. Foxcroft is expected to join the team after completing the New Zealand A red-ball series against India A.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Matt Henry will assemble with the squad on Monday and undergo an assessment to determine his readiness to play. Henry recently suffered a muscle tear during the Twenty20 series against India. Matt Fisher, originally named for the fourth and fifth ODIs, will remain with the squad throughout the series as an additional bowling option.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter was disappointment at losing two important players but stressed the importance of ensuring they recover fully.
“Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side so it’s a shame they have to miss this series,” said Walter. “I caught up with Mark last week and although he’s disappointed he’s working hard to get back on the field. With Rachin, his shoulder hasn’t quite recovered to a position where he could field comfortably in white-ball cricket, so with the Test series later this month we don’t want to take any undue risks.”
“We’re pleased to bring in Henry who is no stranger to this side, and Dean who recently featured in the ODIs against the West Indies,” he added.
Ravindra’s absence comes after he sustained a shoulder injury during a promotional shoot ahead of the India series. New Zealand are keen to avoid taking unnecessary risks with the all-rounder, particularly with a two-Test series against India scheduled later this month.
India enter the ODI series after winning the five-match T20I series 3-2.
ODI Squad For 3 ODIs: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Blair Tickner
ODIs 4 & 5: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay (WK), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (WK), Blair Tickner, Will Young
