The all-rounder Tom Latham has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series for the Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025 due to a fractured right hand which begins on March 29.
Latham sustained a hand injury during a training session when he was struck by a delivery in the nets. An X-ray confirmed a fracture, and he had to wear a cast and undergo four weeks of rest and rehabilitation.
After Mitchell Santner opted to participate in the IPL 2025, Tom Latham was set to lead New Zealand in the ODI series against Pakistan.
Hence, Michael Bracewell has been named as the stand-in captain and Mitch Hay will handle the wicketkeeping duties. Meanwhile middle order batter Henry Nicholls has been added to the squad as Tom Latham’s replacement.
Henry Nicholls has played 78 ODIs and missed most of the season due to calf injury. Since his return this month, he has scored over 50 runs in five of his last six domestic matches.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment on Tom Latham’s injury. However he stated that is an opportunity for others to step up.
“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.
“We’ve had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons. What it does do is offer opportunities to other players, and it’s nice to introduce Rhys into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry.”
Will Young will play in the first ODI of the series in Napier. The opener will leave the squad to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.
The 23 year old Canterbury batter Rhys Mariu has received his maiden international call-up. The Black Caps’ ODI squad to assemble in Napier on March 27 to prepare for the opening match at McLean Park on Saturday.
New Zealand Squad: Michael Bracewell (c), Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Rhys Mariu, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
