KARACHI: New Zealand’s all-rounder Doug Bracewell has replaced injured Matt Henry in their ODI squads for the upcoming 50-overs series against Pakistan and India.
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Henry was ruled out of the tour with an abdominal strain, which he sustained on the final day of the second Test in Karachi, with the injury requiring two to four weeks of rest and rehabilitation.
Bracewell, who has 68 international caps to his name, most recently featured in the home ODI series against the Netherlands last April, the New Zealand Cricket informed in a media release on Sunday.
The 32-year-old has been in good form with bat and ball on the domestic scene for the Central Stags, starting the season as one of the leading wicket-takers in the Plunket Shield and more recently showed his ability with the bat, making key contributions for the Stags in the Super Smash.
Coach Gary Stead confirmed Bracewell would arrive in Karachi on Wednesday local time. He said Bracewell was a natural replacement for Henry in the ODI squad.
“Doug is a quality bowler with a lot of experience and we feel his skills best complement the bowling mix we already have in the squads for Pakistan and India. He has experience across all three formats at the international level, has experience in the subcontinent, and has already shown his range of skills this season,” Stead was quoted as saying.
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Stead expressed sympathy for Henry, who picked up the injury on the final day of a hard-fought Test in Karachi.
“Matt has been one of the leaders of our ODI attack for several years and I know he’s disappointed to be missing out because of injury. With important home series coming up, it’s vital he has time to recover properly over the coming weeks,” he said.
Bowler Jacob Duffy, who will replace Tim Southee in the ODI squad in India, was unavailable to travel any earlier as a replacement for Henry as he is recovering from Covid-19.
Auckland Aces bowler Kyle Jamieson (back) and Wellington Firebirds bowlers Adam Milne (side) and Ben Sears (back) were also unavailable for selection as they continue to recover from or manage injuries.
The ODI Series against Pakistan starts in Karachi on Monday, while the ODI Series against India starts on January 18 in Hyderabad.
Revised New Zealand ODI squad:
Kane Williamson (c) (Pakistan ODIs only), Tom Latham (captain – India ODIs), Finn Allen, Doug Bracewell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman (India ODIs only), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy (India ODI’s only), Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (Pakistan ODIs only), Blair Tickner.
