Michael Bracewell to lead New Zealand ODI squad vs Pakistan

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham has been ruled out of the forthcoming ODI series against Pakistan with a fractured right hand. Notably, the ODI series is scheduled to start on Saturday, April 29.

Moving into the details, Latham was hit on his right hand in the nets session. Later, the X-ray revealed that the fracture would require at least four weeks of rest to recover from it. NZC has come up with Henry Nicholls as his replacement.

On the other hand, the current T20I captain, Michael Bracewell, will continue to lead in the ODIs, with Mitch Hay being the keeper. Head coach Gary Stead has confirmed these changes ahead of the ODI series. 

“Henry's been in good form since returning from his three month injury lay-off and he'll add valuable skills and experience to the team. It's obviously disappointing to lose Tom as captain on the eve of the series and we wish him a speedy recovery. The side is in safe hands with Michael who's done a great job through the T20I series," Stead said.

Moreover, the NZC selectors have also revealed that the opener Will Young wouldn’t take part in the second and third games of the series, and he and his wife are expecting the birth of their first child. The 23-year-old Canterbury batsman Rhys Mariu will act as Young’s cover.

“We've had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons. What it does do is offer opportunities to others players and it's nice to introduce Rhys into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry," Stead added.

"We wish Will and his wife Elise all the best next week as they await their first child which is such a special and important time for them," he added.

New Zealand ODI squad vs Pakistan: 

Michael Bracewell (c), Henry Nicholls, Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young, Rhys Mariu.

NZ vs PAK ODI Series schedule:

1st ODI: March 29, McLean Park, Napier, 3:30 AM IST

2nd ODI: April 02, McLean Park, Napier, 3:30 AM IST

3rd ODI: April 05, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, 3:30 AM IST

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