On the eve of the T20I series opener between New Zealand and Australia, a player each from both camps suffered an injury. First, Australia’s Glenn Maxwell was hit by Mitchell Owen’s shot while bowling to him in the nets leading to a wrist injury. On the other hand, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra sustained a facial injury as he “collided with a perimeter boundary attempting to take a catch” during fielding drill.
“Rachin Ravindra sustained a facial injury at BlackCaps training today after he collided with a perimeter boundary hoarding while attempting to take a catch during fielding practice at Bay Oval,” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in an official statement.
“Ravindra received facial laceration and will continue to be monitored by the medical team after passing an initial concussion test at the ground,” the post added.
Ravindra has had his bout with concussion. Earlier this year, he was hit on the head at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore during the tri-series. However, he returned for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and played a major role in helping the Mitchell Santner-led team reach the final against India.
So far, the extent of Ravindra’s injury is unknown. He is doubtful for the T20I series opener against Mitchell Marsh-led Australia at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. With plenty of players already out of the series due to their respective injuries, New Zealand team management will have to manage with what they have for the Richard-Hadlee Trophy. If Ravindra misses out, it is likely that Devon Conway and Tim Seifert open the innings. New Zealand will miss Ravindra’s services with the ball and may look to add an all-rounder in the lineup.
New Zealand squad for Australia series -
Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.