Injury Setbacks Hit New Zealand Ahead of ODI Series Opener

New Zealand have been dealt two major blows ahead of their ODI series, as Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman have both been ruled out. The duo are still struggling with injuries that also kept them out of the T20 series.

Chapman was hurt in his left hamstring while playing in the European T20 Premier League. An MRI scan has followed, and New Zealand Cricket says he will need two more weeks of rehab before he is fully fit.

Ravindra's shoulder dislocated during a promotional shoot. He has not recovered well enough to play at full strength, and New Zealand Cricket says more recovery time is needed.

Speaking about the situation, head coach Rob Walter said the absences were a blow to the squad. "Everybody understands how much Mark and Rachin mean to this side, so it is disappointing that they will miss the series. I spoke with Mark last week, and while he is frustrated, he is working hard to return. Rachin's shoulder is still not good enough for comfortable fielding in white-ball cricket. With the Test series at the end of this month in mind, we do not want to take unnecessary risks."

New players have been called up to fill the gaps. Tim Seifert, a wicketkeeper-batter, will now play the first three ODIs, after being named earlier for the final two. Left-hander Henry Nicholls has been added for the opening three games, while allrounder Dean Foxcroft will join for the final two.

Matt Fisher has also been included in the first three ODIs, having initially been selected for the last two matches only. Matt Henry is set to rejoin the group on Monday, November 2, and his fitness will be checked at that time. He missed the previous three T20 games with a low-grade tear in his right thigh muscle.

Squad for the first three ODIs: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young and Blair Tickner.

Squad for the final two ODIs: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Christian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Blair Tickner and Will Young.