CHRISTCHURCH: Fast bowler Adam Milne has decided to withdraw from the New Zealand squads for the upcoming ODI series in Pakistan and India due to concerns about his preparation.
Milne, 30, sustained a hamstring discomfort during the home series against India in November 2022. He will be replaced by fellow speedster Blair Tickner who is presently part of the New Zealand Test squad in the ongoing two-game series against hosts Pakistan.
Milne informed Blackcaps selector Gavin Larsen about his decision and the two reached a mutual understanding on the issue.
“Adam was very up front with us about his concerns around the lack of one-day bowling loading for the upcoming tours,” said Larsen said.
“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.”
He added that Blair’s skills at bowling through the middle and his ability to hit the pitch hard made him a similar prospect to what Adam offered.
“The fact he’s already in Pakistan experiencing the conditions is an added bonus.” he expressed.
Earlier, New Zealand Cricket announced two separate squads for the away ODI series against Pakistan and India. Milne was part of both squads.
Kane Williamson will lead the Blackcaps in Pakistan only, while his deputy Tom Latham will take the reigns for India ODIs.
Blackcaps will play three ODIs against Pakistan commencing on January 9.
New Zealand ODI squads for series against Pakistan and India
Kane Williamson (c) (Pakistan ODIs only), Tom Latham (captain – India ODIs), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman (India ODIs only), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy (India ODI’s only), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Blair Tickner, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (Pakistan ODIs only).
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