AUCKLAND: New Zealand have suffered a major setback ahead of their five-match T20 International series against India, with Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes ruled out of the series due to injuries.
Chapman sustained a hamstring injury last month while playing in a T20 league in Europe. The injury will prevent him from participating in the entire T20I series against India, although he is now targeting a return for the subsequent ODI series.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Zak Foulkes is suffering from a hip muscle injury, with no definitive timeline established for his return to action.
Clarkson and Tickner Added to New Zealand Squad
Following the injuries to Chapman and Foulkes, New Zealand have added all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner to their 16-member squad for the upcoming series.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries, wishing both players a speedy recovery.
Walter also said the team was fortunate to have players such as Clarkson and Tickner available to step in, adding that both replacements were excited about the opportunity to feature in the important T20I series.
New Zealand Announce 16-Member Squad
Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in the five-match series, which begins on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The squad includes Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and captain Mitchell Santner.
New Zealand will aim to overcome the injury setbacks and prepare strongly for the series against India.
India vs New Zealand T20I Series Schedule
The five-match series will begin in Christchurch on October 22, with the final match scheduled for November 1 in Hamilton.
1st T20I: October 22 — Christchurch
2nd T20I: October 24 — Christchurch
3rd T20I: October 27 — Wellington
4th T20I: October 30 — Auckland
5th T20I: November 1 — Hamilton
