Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
New Zealand have suffered two injury setbacks ahead of their five-match T20I series against India, with Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes ruled out of the upcoming contest. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Friday that the pair would miss the series after sustaining hamstring and hip flexor injuries, respectively.
Chapman tore his left hamstring while playing in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). While the injury has ruled him out of the T20I assignments against India, the batter is expected to be available for the subsequent five-match ODI series.
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Foulkes, meanwhile, sustained an injury to his right hip flexor during a training session with Canterbury. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, with New Zealand Cricket yet to determine when the pacer could return to action.
The Black Caps have named all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner as replacements for the injured duo. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed his satisfaction at having the two players back in the squad ahead of the challenging assignment against India.
“I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery,” said Walter.
“We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very excited to be involved in what’s shaping up to be an epic T20 series.”
The T20I series begins on October 22 and promises to be an exciting contest, with the two sides renewing their rivalry after facing each other in the final of the T20 World Cup earlier this year. India emerged victorious in that summit clash and will look to carry their momentum into the upcoming tour.
Mitchell Santner will captain the New Zealand side, which features a mix of established players and emerging talent. Opening batters Tim Seifert and Finn Allen will be among the players to watch, having shown encouraging form in recent outings.
The five T20Is will be held across Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. The teams will then compete in five ODIs and two Test matches, making the Indian team’s upcoming New Zealand tour an extended assignment spanning more than a month.
UPDATED NEW ZEALAND SQUAD FOR INDIA T20IS
Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
