India vs New Zealand ODI Squad: More Injury Changes

Once again, several injuries have hit the India vs New Zealand series, and it is starting to feel like a series of injuries. The cricket has been good. Even the previous match was a thriller, and the T20I series was exciting too. But these injuries are taking some of the enjoyment away.

New Zealand are again the team dealing with the latest setbacks. The hosts have lost so many bowling options that their attack is starting to look almost like a second-string unit. Now, they have had to adjust their plans once more.

Blair Tickner’s absence has created another problem for New Zealand. He took a blow while batting in the second ODI, and Matt Fisher came into the match as his concussion replacement.

Subsequent checks cleared Tickner of concussion. However, using a concussion substitute means he still has to spend seven days away from international cricket. He will therefore miss the third and fourth ODIs.

Lockie Ferguson will not play the fourth or fifth ODI either. The right-calf injury he picked up during the T20I series has not healed sufficiently for him to return. New Zealand had planned to bring him into the attack for the final two matches, but they must now manage without his pace and experience.

Matt Henry’s situation is another important part of this update. After his collision with Devon Conway in Auckland, the initial assessment cleared him of concussion. But a further examination in Wellington pushed his expected comeback to the fourth ODI.

Henry had not originally been selected for that stage of the series. He and Kyle Jamieson were supposed to finish their ODI commitments after the third match and move to Wellington for Test preparation.

That arrangement has now changed. Both fast bowlers will stay with the ODI group for the fourth match before turning their attention to the Tests.

Henry could therefore return in the fourth ODI, provided he is ready to play. Having him and Jamieson available would give New Zealand some much-needed experience in an attack affected by repeated injuries.

Kristian Clarke’s involvement has been brought forward. He was already selected for the final two ODIs, but Tickner’s absence means New Zealand need him sooner.

Clarke has consequently joined the squad for the third ODI as cover. While Henry and Jamieson’s extended stay helps with the fourth match, Clarke’s early arrival addresses the immediate shortage.

These injuries have weakened New Zealand and prevented them from settling on their preferred bowling combination. The matches have remained entertaining, but the hosts have repeatedly had to find replacements instead of building continuity within their attack.

There are also planned departures ahead of the Tests. Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith will head to Wellington on Wednesday. Henry and Jamieson will join the Test preparations later, after the fourth ODI.

New Zealand will also add two more players across the squads for the fourth and fifth ODIs. Their names are yet to be announced.

Third ODI: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith and Will Young.

Fourth ODI: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper) and Will Young.

Expected fifth ODI group — pending the squad update and player additions: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper) and Will Young.