Tom Latham OUT: THIS player to captain New Zealand in ODIs against Pakistan

Bracewell to captain New Zealand in Latham's absence

New Zealand’s wicket-keeper batter Tom Latham has been ruled out for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan due to a fractured right hand. The injury occurred during a training session this week when a delivery hit Latham while batting. An X-ray report confirmed the fracture, which will require a cast and at least four weeks of rest and rehabilitation.

New Zealand’s head coach confirmed Henry Nicolas would replace Latham in the squad. Michael Bracewell, the current T20I captain, will continue to lead the team in the ODIs, while Mitch Hay will take over wicket-keeping duties.

“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

Nicholls, who has suffered a calf-strain in November, returned this month with 5 fifty-plus scores in six domestic innings. The selectors also confirmed opener Will Young’s unavailability from the ODI squad in the second and third match of the series as he and his wife await the birth of their first child.

Young will play the first match in his hometown of Napier. He will then be replaced in the squad by 23-year-old Canterbury batsman Rhys Mariu, who has earned his maiden call-up as batting cover, NZC said in a release.

“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 said.

“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,” Stead added.

The New Zealand ODI squad gathered in Napier on Thursday, preparing for their first match against Pakistan, scheduled for Saturday at McLean Park.