New Zealand is all set to tour Pakistan for a five-game T20I series. The BlackCaps will take on the Men in Green in five T20Is, with the first game set to begin on April 18. However, ahead of the series, the Kiwis have hit a major roadblock as star players Adam Milne and Finn Allen have been ruled out of the five-game series due to injuries.
The same is confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) that both players will be missing the series. It is worth noting that Allen sustained a back injury, whereas Milne injured his ankle in a training session just before the side’s departure to Pakistan.
"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; plans for their return to cricket will be confirmed in the coming weeks,” NZC said in a statement.
Furthermore, wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and uncapped all-rounder Zak Foulkes have been brought in as replacements for the two players, and the BlackCaps will be fielding a second string squad against Pakistan due to the majority of their players still competing in the ongoing IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024.
Tom is a highly experienced player: Gary Stead
After the replacements were called in, New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, took centre stage and heaped praise on the two players who were called in as replacements.
"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, 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,” Stead was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
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