Major Blow for New Zealand! Tom Latham Out Of Pakistan ODIs With Fractured Hand

Tom Latham has been ruled out of the Pakistan ODIs due to a fractured right hand. Photo: BLACKCAPS/X

Michael Bracewell will lead the side in Latham’s absence. Latham was supposed to captain New Zealand in the ODI series, with Mitchell Santner choosing to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Nicholls, who has 78 ODI caps to his name, has missed much of this season due to a calf strain sustained in November but returned this month with five 50-plus scores in his six domestic innings.

Latham suffered the injury when he was struck on the hand by a delivery while batting in the nets during a training session this week.

"An X-ray revealed a fracture, which will require a cast and at least four weeks of rest and rehabilitation," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

Mitch Hay will fulfil the wicket-keeping duties in Latham's absence. Meanwhile, Will Young will not be available for the last two ODIs after playing the first match in his hometown of Napier. He will be with his wife as they await the birth of their first child. Young will be replaced by 23-year-old batter Rhys Mariu, who has earned his maiden call-up as batting cover.

'Henry has been in good form'

“We have had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons,” said Gary Stead, the New Zealand coach.

“What it does do is offer opportunities to other players, and it is nice to introduce Rhys into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry,” he added.

“Henry has been in good form since returning from his three-month injury layoff, and he will add valuable skills and experience to the team. It is 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 throughout the T20I series,” said Stead.

With more than two years until the next ICC Cricket World Cup, ODI squad selection preference was given to players on complete national and domestic contracts.

The New Zealand squad will assemble in Napier on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s opening game at McLean Park.

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