Auckland: Just two days ahead of the five-match ODI series against India, New Zealand were dealt a blow as two of their top batters – Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra – were ruled out after failing to recover from their respective injuries.
All-rounder Ravindra suffered a freak shoulder injury during a promotional shoot ahead the ODI series starting Wednesday here at Eden Park while Chapman has been laid low by a hamstring strain.
“A recent MRI showed Chapman’s left hamstring requires another two weeks of rehabilitation before he is fully fit to return to the field, whilst Ravindra’s right shoulder requires more recovery time before he’s able to field at full capacity,” said a statement from New Zealand Cricket on Monday.
New Zealand head coach Bob Walter rued the absence of both Chapman and Ravindra. “Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side so it’s a shame they have to miss this series. I caught up with Mark last week and although he’s disappointed he’s working hard to get back on the field,” said Walter.
“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.”
Tim Seifert, who was selected for ODIs 4 and 5 only, will now be in the squad for the full series whilst Henry Nicholls will come in for games 1-3 and Dean Foxcroft for games 4 and 5.
Fast bowler Matt Henry, picked for the first three one-dayers, joined the squad on Monday but he will be assessed if he’s ready to play. Matt Fisher, who was selected for ODIs 4 and 5, will remain with the squad for the full series as an additional bowling option.
New Zealand squads:
ODIs 1-3: Mitchell Santner (capt), 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 (capt), 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.