New Zealand received a massive jolt ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan as wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham has been ruled out after fracturing his right hand during training. Henry Nicholls has been named as Latham's replacement. Michael Bracewell, who led the team in a five-match T20I series, is set to step in as leader for ODI series in Latham's absence.
The southpaw, the Test skipper of the national team was named the captain for the ODI series against Pakistan since regular skipper Mitchell Santner had IPL commitments. Latham sustained the blow while batting in the practice session earlier this week. Later, the scans confirmed it was a fracture, which will require "at least four weeks of rest and rehabilitation," New Zealand Cricket (NZC) revealed.
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Nicholls, who has been in and out of the team, will yet again get a chance to stake a claim in the team permanently. He has so far played 78 ODIs for the team. The southpaw got a look in the squad on the back of a good domestic season in which he slammed five fifties in six innings. Apart from Latham, opening batter Will Young will also miss the second and third ODIs to be with his partner as they await the birth of their first child.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead optimistic about side doing well despite absence of Tom Latham
New Zealand coach Gary Stead is confident of the team performing well against an experienced Pakistan side despite absence of several players to IPL commitments and injuries. Stead stated that it a golden chance for youngsters to step up.
"We've had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons," Stead said in the press conference. "What it does do is offer opportunities to other players, and it's nice to introduce Rhys into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry.
"Henry's been in good form since returning from his three-month injury lay-off and he'll add valuable skills and experience to the team.
"It's obviously disappointing to lose Tom 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."
The first ODI of the three ODIs will be played on Saturday, March 29 in Napier. The hosts emphatically won the T20I series with a 4-1 margin.
