Tom Latham Ruled Out of Pakistan ODI Series; Bracewell to Captain
New Zealand cricket has been hit with a late setback as captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan due to a fractured hand. The injury occurred during a training session with Michael Bracewell, and subsequent X-rays confirmed the extent of the damage. Michael Bracewell will step in to lead the side in Latham’s absence, a role he previously filled during the recent T20I series.
Key Changes to the New Zealand Squad
Here's a breakdown of the significant alterations to the New Zealand squad:
- Tom Latham’s Absence: The captain sustained a fracture to his right hand during training and will miss the entire ODI series. This is a significant blow to the team's leadership.
- Michael Bracewell to Captain: Bracewell will assume the captaincy, continuing his leadership role from the T20I series.
- Henry Nicholls Called Up: The experienced batsman, recently returned from a three-month injury lay-off, has been added to the squad to provide valuable skills and experience.
- Will Young’s Departure: Will Young will depart the squad following the first match in Napier, as his wife awaits the birth of their second child. The team wishes them well.
- Rhys Mariu Receives Maiden Call-Up: The uncapped 23-year-old batsman, Rhys Mariu, has been named in the squad. Mariu boasts an impressive first-class average of 61.73, marking a promising debut at the international level.
Squad Adjustments and Coach Commentary
New Zealand coach Gary Stead acknowledged the fluidity of the tour and the opportunities arising from player unavailability. “We've had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons,” Stead stated. “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.” He further expressed disappointment regarding Latham’s injury but confidence in Bracewell’s leadership.
Recent Performance and Series Result
Prior to these changes, New Zealand secured a dominant victory in the T20I series against Pakistan, winning 4-1. Players like Tim Seifert and Mitchell Santner contributed significantly to this success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What happened to Tom Latham? Tom Latham fractured his right hand during a training session and will miss the ODI series.
- Who will captain the team in Latham’s absence? Michael Bracewell will captain the team.
- Why is Will Young leaving the squad? Will Young is leaving the squad to be with his wife as they await the birth of their second child.
- Who is Rhys Mariu? Rhys Mariu is an uncapped 23-year-old batsman making his debut for New Zealand. He has a strong first-class record.
- What was the result of the T20I series against Pakistan? New Zealand won the T20I series 4-1.