NZ vs IND: Double injury blow hits New Zealand ahead of India T20I series

New Zealand have suffered two injury setbacks ahead of their five-match T20I series against India, with Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes ruled out of the upcoming competition. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Friday that the pair will miss the series after suffering hamstring and hip flexor injuries.

Chapman tore his left hamstring while playing in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). Although the injury ruled him out of the T20I against India, the bat is expected to be available for the subsequent five-match ODI series.

Meanwhile, Foulkes injured his right hip flexor in training with Canterbury. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, with New Zealand Cricket yet to decide when the pacer could return to action.

The Black Caps have named all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner as replacements for the injured duo. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed his satisfaction that both players were back in the squad ahead of the tough game against India.

“I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery,” Walter said.

“We are fortunate to be able to rely on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they are both very excited to be part of what is shaping up to be an epic T20 series.”

The T20I series begins on October 22 and promises to be an exciting contest, with the two sides renewing their rivalry after facing each other in the T20 World Cup final earlier this year. India have won this summit and will look to carry their momentum into the upcoming tour.

Mitchell Santner will captain the New Zealand team, which features a mix of established players and emerging talent. Opening batsmen Tim Seifert and Finn Allen will be among the players to watch who have shown encouraging form in recent games.

The five T20Is will be held in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. The teams will then face each other in five ODIs and two Test matches, which will be the Indian team upcoming tour of New Zealand, which will last more than a month.

NEW ZEALAND SQUAD FOR INDIA T20IS UPDATED

Mitchell Santner (C), 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.

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