Injured Latham ruled out; Bracewell to continue as captain for New Zealand in One-Day series vs Pakan

New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman Tom Latham was ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Pakan with a fractured right hand, announced the team on Thursday. Latham was struck on the hand a delivery while batting in the nets during training this week, with an X-ray revealing the fracture, which will require a cast and at least four weeks of rest and rehabilitation.
Henry Nicholls would replace Latham in the squad, head coach Gary Stead confirmed. The current T20I captain, Michael Bracewell will continue to lead the side for the 50-over series, with Mitch Hay taking the wicket-keeping gloves.
Nicholls, who has 78 ODI caps to his name, has missed much of this season with a calf strain sustained in November but returned this month with five 50-plus scores in his six domestic innings.
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The selectors also confirmed opener Will Young will come out of the ODI squad for games two and three of the series to be with his wife as they await the birth of their first child.
Young will play Saturday’s opening game in his hometown of Napier before being replaced in the squad 23-year-old Canterbury batsman Rhys Mariu who’s earned his maiden call-up, as the batting cover.
The Blackcaps ODI squad assembled in Napier on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s opening game at McLean Park.
Earlier, New Zealand beat Pakan 4-1 to win the five-match T20I series comfortably under new captain Bracewell.Story continues below this ad
New Zealand vs Pakan Three-match ODI Series
1st ODI – Saturday 29 March, 11:00 AM (Local time) – McLean Park, Napier
2nd ODI – Wednesday 2 April, 11:00 AM (Local time) – Seddon Park, Hamilton
3rd ODI – Saturday 5 April, 11:00 AM (Local time) – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui