New Zealand have suffered a major blow with news that Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra will miss the upcoming five-match ODI series against India.
Chapman is still recovering from his hamstring injury and will require a further two weeks on the sidelines, while Ravindra is battling a shoulder problem and the Black Caps have decided the all-rounder requires further recovery time ahead of the two-match ICC World Test Championship series with India that commences later this month.
The absence of the duo will see batter-keeper Tim Seifert available for all five matches of the ODI series, while Henry Nicholls (games 1-3) and Dean Foxcroft (games 4-5) have been added to the squad.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter said it was a big loss to lose Chapman and Ravindra, but still feels his side is well placed to cope in their absence.
“Everyone knows what an asset Mark and Rachin are to this side so it’s a shame they have to miss this series,” said Walter.
“I caught up with Mark last week and although he’s disappointed he’s working hard to get back on the field.
“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.
“We’re pleased to bring in Henry who is no stranger to this side, and Dean who recently featured in the ODIs against the West Indies."
New Zealand squad (games 1-3): Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Blair Tickner
New Zealand squad (games 4 and 5): Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert, Blair Tickner, Will Young
Series Schedule:
First ODI: 4 November, Auckland
Second ODI: 7 November, Wellington
Third ODI: 10 November, Hamilton
Fourth ODI: 13 November, Mount Maunganui
Fifth ODI: 15 November, Mount Maunganui
