New Zealand suffered a major setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against Pakistan as wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham was ruled out after fracturing his right hand during training.
The injury has forced a leadership reshuffle, with Michael Bracewell now set to captain the side in Latham’s absence.
Meanwhile, experienced batter Henry Nicholls has been called up to replace Latham.
It’s worth noting that Tom Latham, who was originally supposed to lead the side in the absence of Mitchell Santner, picked up the injury while batting in the nets earlier this week.
Scans confirmed a fracture, and he will now undergo a minimum of four weeks of rest and rehabilitation, according to New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Meanwhile, Nicholls’ recall comes on the back of impressive domestic form, where he has scored five half-centuries in six innings since recovering from a calf strain. The 33-year-old has already played 78 ODIs and brings valuable experience to the squad.
New Zealand will also be without opener Will Young for the second and third ODIs, as he awaits the birth of his first child.
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Young will feature in the series opener in Napier before being replaced by uncapped Canterbury batter Rhys Mariu, who has received his maiden international call-up.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the frequent disruptions but backed his side to adapt in the ODI series against Pakistan.
“We’ve had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons. But that also creates opportunities for others to step up,” Stead said.
He expressed confidence in Bracewell’s leadership, highlighting his performance in the T20I series.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose Tom [Latham] as captain on the eve of the series, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The side is in safe hands with Michael, who’s done a great job through the T20I series,” he added.
New Zealand will enter the ODI series on a high, having recently clinched the T20I series 4-1 against Pakistan.
The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off on March 29 in Napier. The second match is scheduled for April 2 in Hamilton, while the series will conclude with the final ODI in Mount Maunganui on April 5.
New Zealand ODI squad for Pakistan series
Michael Bracewell (c), Henry Nicholls, Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
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