KARACHI: New Zealand made a last-minute change to their ODI squad ahead of the series opener against Pakistan, today, after fast bowler Matt Henry was ruled out of the side after picking an abdominal injury.
All-rounder Doug Bracewell received a late call-up to the Black Caps white-ball squad for ODIs in Pakistan and India as a replacement to Henry, who sustained the injury during the second Test against Pakistan.
The 32-year-old Bracewell is set to make his first appearance for the New Zealand side since April 2021 against the Netherlands.
“Matt has been one of the leaders of our ODI attack for a number of years and I know he’s disappointed to be missing out because of injury.” Kiwis head coach Gary Stead said.
“With important home series coming up, it’s vital he has time to recover properly over the coming weeks.”
New Zealand coach believed Bracewell would add experience to the side since he was familiar with the subcontinent conditions.
“Doug is a quality bowler with a lot of experience and we feel his skills best compliment the bowling mix we already have in the squads for Pakistan and India.He has experience across all three formats at international level, has experience in the subcontinent, and has already shown his range of skills this season.” Stead said.
It is pertinent to mention here that New Zealand will play three-match ODI series against Pakistan, commencing today, with the second and the final matches on January 11 and 13, respectively.
ODI Squads:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir and Usama Mir
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Doug Bracewell, Blair Tickner, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Tayyab Tahir and Usama Mir
