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New Zealand has received a major blow ahead of the ODI series against Pakistan. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the ODI series after sustaining left-quad strain. New Zealand are set to play three-match ODI series against Pakistan, followed by five-match T20I series.
Daryl Mitchell to replace Blundell in ODI series
New Zealand Cricket has named all-rounder Daryl Mitchell as the Blundell’s replacement in the ODI squad. However, Mitchell will be missing out on the first game and will be available from second ODI, after completing mandatory isolation.
Notably, Tom Blundell sustained the injury during the fourth T20I against Bangladesh and needs “concentrated period of rehabilitation”, according to the team physio. New Zealand coach Glenn Pocknall added that Blundell will remain with the squad with the hope that he recovers in time for T20Is.
“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,” added Pocknall.
The three-match ODI series between Pakistan & New Zealand will get underway from tomorrow, September 17 in Rawalpindi, with the second and third scheduled for 19 & 21 September 2021.