New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC), on Monday, announced that their fast bowler Adam Milne will no longer be available for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan and India due to concerns about his fitness.

Notably, Milne had some tightness in his hamstring at the end of the home series against India in November 2022, due to which he missed two games in the Ford Trophy �?New Zealand’s domestic 50-over tournament �?for Wellington in December.

The 30-year-old pacer did play the first couple of matches of the ongoing Super Smash �?the domestic T20 competition �?but the management considered the workload of upcoming six ODIs in a span of 16 days a bit too much of a risk.

“Adam was very upfront with us about his concerns around the lack of one-day bowling loading for the upcoming tours. After chatting to him, we agreed his preparation leading into the tour wouldn’t be sufficient for him to cope with the demands of back-to-back, three-game ODI series. We appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down,” said New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen as quoted by the Stuff.

Central Stags pace bowler Blair Tickner, who is already part of New Zealand’s Test squad in Pakistan, has been picked as Milne’s replacement. Tickner has so far played six ODIs for his side, in which he has taken nine wickets.

“Blair’s skills at bowling through the middle and his ability to hit the pitch hard make him a similar prospect to what Adam offered us. The fact he’s already in Pakistan experiencing the conditions is an added bonus,” added Larsen.

The Black Caps’ ODI squad will leave for Pakistan on January 4 for three ODIs on January 9, 11 and 13 before departing to India for as many ODIs on January 18, 21 and 24.

New Zealand squad for ODI series in Pakistan and India (Updated):

Kane Williamson (capt – only for Pakistan ODIs), Tom Latham (capt – India ODIs), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman (India ODIs only), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy (India ODIs only), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (Pakistan ODIs only), Blair Tickner.

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After leading in the One-Day International (ODI) series 2-0, New Zealand will be looking forward to win the remaining game at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui against India to clean sweep the three-match series.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who missed out the first two ODIs with a shoulder injury, had a fitness test on Monday where he was declared fit to lead his side.

“He certainly had a full workout, and all is on track for tomorrow. He’s looking good to be ready to play. We’ll have one final look at him in the morning and make sure nothing happens overnight,” said New Zealand stand-in head coach Shane Jurgensen.

Positive news for captain Kane Williamson 👍
Coach Shane Jurgensen confirms he’s come through training well & is set for tomorrow’s third ODI at the Mount 🏏 #NZvIND #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/aA5GiEdvco

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 10, 2020

Apart from Williamson, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and pacer Blair Tickner have been called back in the squad for the final clash with the visitors.

Both Sodhi and Tickner were part of the New Zealand A squad, which drew the second unofficial Test against India A at Lincoln. However, the duo did not take part in the fourth and final day’s proceedings on Monday.

The Kiwi players are currently recovering from injuries and fever. Speedster Tim Southee and spinner Mitchell Santner have a stomach bug, while pacer Scott Kuggeleijn has a viral fever.

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