New Zealand lose key duo to injury for Bangladesh series
New Zealand have been dealt a double blow with a pair of key players ruled out of this month’s T20I series against Bangladesh due to injury.
Skipper Kane Williamson (knee) and fast bowler Kyle Jamieson (hamstring) have been removed from the Black Caps’ 13-player squad, with their places taken by young gun Rachin Ravindra and experienced pacer Jacob Duffy.
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Williamson will undergo a period of knee rehabilitation and strengthening following his recent return from injury, while the Kiwis have decided not to risk Jamieson ahead of a busy upcoming Test schedule against South Africa and Australia in the new year.
“We want both Kane and Kyle to be in the best possible place leading into the next block of Test cricket against South Africa and Australia,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead admitted.
“Based on discussions with the medical staff and the players it was decided a period of rehabilitation and conditioning was the best option for both of them.”
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Stead is confident Duffy and Ravindra can fill the void of the absent duo should they win selection during the three-game series.
“Jacob is an experienced T20 cricketer and always brings a lot when he is part of the Black Caps environment. He’s worked very hard on his white-ball skills in recent seasons,” Stead noted.
“Rachin adds to any environment he’s a part of and has a great desire to learn and develop his game – across all three formats.”
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The three-match T20I series takes place between 27 and 31 December 2023.
New Zealand T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
