New Zealand have suffered an injury setback ahead of their five-match T20I series against India, with Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes ruled out of the contest, prompting the inclusion of Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner in the squad.
The series will begin in Christchurch on October 22, with the same venue hosting the second match on October 24. The teams will then travel to Wellington for the third T20I on October 27, followed by the fourth in Auckland on October 30. Hamilton will host the series finale on November 1.
Chapman sustained a hamstring injury while featuring in a European T20 league last month and is expected to miss the entire series. The batter is now aiming to regain fitness for the subsequent ODI series against India.
Foulkes, meanwhile, is recovering from a hip flexor injury, with no confirmed timeline for his return. Their absence has opened opportunities for all-rounder Clarkson and fast bowler Tickner, who have been named in New Zealand’s 16-member squad.
Black Caps head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries but backed the replacements to make the most of their opportunities.
“I’m gutted for Mark and Zak, and I wish them both a smooth recovery,” Walter said.
“We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very excited to be involved in what’s shaping up to be an epic T20 series,” he added.
The series will renew the rivalry between the two sides after India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), 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 and Blair Tickner.
