In a massive setback to New Zealand, ahead of the second ODI against England, experienced pacer Adam Milne has been ruled out of the ongoing four-match series with a low-grade hamstring injury.
Notably, Milne endured a hamstring tightness at training in Cardiff before Friday’s opening ODI and later, a scan revealed he would need a period of rehabilitation.
Milne, 31, who has also been named in the ODI squad scheduled to tour Bangladesh, will now remain with the team in England to work on his rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Ben Lister, who is currently in England with Kent after being signed on to play the remaining games of the County Championship season, will join the New Zealand squad in Southampton on Saturday as Milne’s replacement.
Commenting on the development, New Zealand coach Gary Stead said having cover in the squad was important with the compact nature of the schedule.
“We have short turnarounds between these matches and want to try and look after the players as much as possible with the upcoming schedule,” Stead was quoted as saying by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on its website.
“With Ben already here in England it meant we could have him join the squad at short notice without the recovery time of a bowler joining from New Zealand mid-series. Ben impressed us in the UAE and warm-up matches in England and will continue to learn being around some senior players in the touring group,” the coach added.
The New Zealand squad on Saturday travelled by from Cardiff to Southampton and will face the hosts on Sunday’s at the second ODI at Rose Bowl.
Currently, the touring party lead the series 1-0 after winning the first ODI at Cardiff by eight wickets with 26 balls in hand.