New Zealand ring big changes to ODI squad to keep India series alive
New Zealand have lost the first two matches of the ongoing five-match ODI series against India in front of their home crowd. Ahead of the fight to stay alive in the series, they have made big changes to the squads for the third and fourth matches.
They will play the third match against India tomorrow, Tuesday, at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The fourth ODI will be played on Friday, 13 November, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
New Zealand Cricket said in a statement on Monday that fast bowler Kristian Clarke will join the ODI squad as a replacement for pacer Blair Tickner.
Tickner, who hit four sixes batting at number 11 in the first match of the series, suffered a concussion during the second ODI. In that rain-affected match, Matt Fisher took his place for the remainder of the game.
Tickner was struck on the head by the ball while batting in the 41st over of New Zealand's innings. Although he has recovered from the concussion, he must observe the ICC's mandatory seven-day stand-out period from the date of the match before returning to international cricket.
He was injured on 7 November, which means he will not be allowed to play in the two matches on 10 and 13 November.
The same statement said fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who suffered a low-grade right calf tear during the T20 series, has still not recovered. He too will miss these two ODIs.
There is hope of having Matt Henry back for the fourth ODI. Henry suffered a concussion in a collision with opener Devon Conway in the first match in Auckland. He was supposed to leave with Kyle Jamieson after the third ODI to prepare for the two-match Test series, but he will now stay with the team for the fourth ODI.
Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith will leave for Wellington on Wednesday to prepare for the Test series starting on 19 November.
New Zealand squad for the third ODI against India: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
New Zealand squad for the fourth ODI against India: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Will Young.
Trailing 2-0 in the series, New Zealand now face a do-or-die battle. If they cannot win the third ODI in Hamilton, the series will slip away from the hosts.
