NEWS
Follow UsNew Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Pakistan with a left-quad strain. The Black Caps have replaced him with allrounder Daryl Mitchell, who was only supposed to feature in the five-match T20I series.
The latter is still completing the mandatory isolation and will only be available from the second ODI.
"Tom's been working hard since the injury in Bangladesh. The injury's not quite where we want it so we think it's best for him to concentrate on his rehab given the big summer of cricket ahead," said Nishil Shah, the team physio.
Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Glenn Pocknall said: "Obviously everyone is gutted for Tom, he's a quality player with a diverse skill-set. He'll remain with the squad and we're hopeful he'll be available again for the T20I series.
"We're fortunate to have someone of Daryl's quality to join us early for the ODIs. He's shown last summer what a destructive batsman he is, while also offering another useful bowling option.
"With Tom out, we do lose our first choice back-up wicket-keeping option. However, there are several guys in the squad with keeping experience and we'll ensure they do the necessary work at training to be up to speed if called upon."
The ODI series will start on Friday (September 17) in Rawalpindi, while the T20Is will be played in Lahore from September 25.