New Zealand has to play a five-match T20 series against India at home from October 22 to November 1. Before the series, the Kiwi team has suffered two big setbacks. Mark Chapman and Jack Foulkes have been ruled out of this series due to injury.
Chapman has a thigh strain, while Foulkes is bothered by a hip injury. The absence of these two from the series can put New Zealand in trouble. The reason for this is the experience and performance of both the players in this format.
Mark Chapman suffered a hamstring injury while playing in the European T20 League last month. He is expected to recover till the ODI series against India. At the same time, Foulkes suffered a right hip injury during practice. There is no clear information on when Faulks will return.
In place of Chapman and Faulks, Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner have been included in the New Zealand cricket team.
New Zealand head coach Walter said he was deeply saddened by the injuries to Mark Chapman and Jack Foulkes and hoped for their speedy recovery.
He said, “I am happy that the team has experienced players like Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner. Both players are very excited to play in this exciting T20 series.”
The first and second matches of the India and New Zealand T20 series will be played in Christchurch on 22 and 24 October. After this, the third match will be played in Wellington on 27 October, the fourth match will be played in Auckland on 30 October and the last match will be played in Hamilton on 1 November.
New Zealand squad for T20 series against India: Mitchell Santner (captain), 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.