Adam Milne has been withdrawn from the Blackcaps white-ball squad for the upcoming series in Pakistan and India due to concerns about his preparation. The right-arm pacer recently ended the home series against India with a tight hamstring. And subsequently delayed his return to the Wellington Firebirds, missing two Ford Trophy matches in December.
Milne pulled out of New Zealand’s ODI series in Pakistan and India due to a hamstring injury
Despite playing the first two games of the Dream11 Super Smash season for the Firebirds. The prospect of six ODIs in 16 days in Pakistan and India was deemed too big a risk.
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It was therefore decided by mutual agreement to replace Milne with Central Stag fast bowler Blair Tickner, who had already finished with the Test team in Pakistan.
Blackcaps selector Gavin Larsen said the decision was not an easy one
“Adam was upfront with us about his concerns about the lack of one-day bowling loads for the upcoming tours,” Larsen said.
“After speaking to him, we agreed that the preparation for the tour would not be sufficient for him to cope with the demands of back-to-back, three-match ODI series.
“We appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down.”
Milne will continue to play for the Wellington Firebirds when available for the remainder of the home summer.
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Larsen said Tickner had six ODIs to his name and was a ready-made substitute.
“Blair’s skill to bowl through the middle and his ability to hit the pitch hard gave him the same chances that Adam gave us.
“The fact that he’s already experienced the conditions in Pakistan is an added bonus.”
The Blackcaps ODI players will leave for Pakistan from New Zealand on January 4.
