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New Zealand opener Finn Allen and fast bowler Adam Milne have been ruled out of the five-T20I series against Pakistan due to injury. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on April 12 said that Allen has suffered a back injury whereas Milne hurt his ankle during a training session ahead of their departure for the subcontinent.
"The nature of their respective injuries meant they wouldn't be able to take part in any of the five match series, due to start next week in Rawalpindi," NZC said in a statement. "Plans for their return to cricket will be confirmed in the coming weeks."
NZC announced replacement for the injured players. Zak Foulkes has received maiden call-up. Allen has been replaced by wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell. New Zealand are already missing their prominent players who are associated with their respective franchise in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Losing the services of Allen and Milne is a big blow for the second-string squad.
"Tom is a highly experienced player and along with his wicketkeeping and batting skillsets is a leader in any group he is a part of," Head Coach Gary Stead said.
"He also brings recent experience in the conditions, having taken part in both tours to Pakistan last year. Zak has had an impressive season for Canterbury including being their leading wicket taker in all three competitions. He has displayed impressive skills with the ball, particularly in T20 cricket for the Kings. We also know he has skills with the bat and it will be an excellent opportunity for him to be part of the group."
Blundell, Foulkes' T20 numbers
Blundell's last T20I appearance was in September 2021. From seven T20Is, he has scored 59 runs at an average of 14.75. On the other hand, the 21-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder Foulkes has played 19 T20s. He has scored 105 runs and picked up 26 wickets. His economy rate is an impressive 6.94 runs per over.
The T20I series will begin on April 18 and will go on till April 27. The first three matches will be played in Rawalpindi whereas the remaining two are scheduled to be played in Lahore.
New Zealand Updated T20I squad
Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi
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