KARACHI: Blackcaps have made a change to their white-ball squads for the upcoming series in Pakistan and India with Adam Milne withdrawing due to concerns about his preparation.
Also read: Babar Azam explains ‘declaration’ against New Zealand
According to ICC report, Milne who suffered from a tight hamstring during the recent home series against India will be replaced by fellow pace bowler Blair Tickner who is already in Pakistan with the New Zealand Test squad.
The prospect of playing six ODIs within the span of 16 days across Pakistan and India was considered too big of a risk by the fast bowler.
The decision was made by mutual agreement, with selector Gavin Larsen saying the decision was not an easy one.
“Adam was very up front with us about his concerns around the lack of one-day bowling loading for the upcoming tours,” Larsen said.
Also read: New Zealand’s team arrives in Pakistan for Tests and ODIs
“After chatting to him, we agreed his preparation leading into the tour wouldn’t be sufficient for him to cope with the demands of back-to-back, three-game ODI series.
“We appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down.”
Tucker has nine ODI wickets to his name since making his debut against Netherlands in March 2022.
Larsen said, “Blair’s skills at bowling through the middle and his ability to hit the pitch hard make him a similar prospect to what Adam offered us.
Also read: PCB announces free entry for fans for second Pak-NZ Test
“The fact he’s already in Pakistan experiencing the conditions is an added bonus.” New Zealand will play the first of three ODIs against Pakistan on January 9 in Karachi.
