Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against India, after failing to recover from a back injury.
The BLACKCAPS opener underwent a fitness test in Wellington this morning where he continued to feel pain in his lower back.
Coach Gary Stead confirmed Guptill would return to Auckland to rest, with an eye to returning for next week’s ODI series against Bangladesh.
Guptill will be replaced in the T20 squad by Wellington Firebirds all-rounder Jimmy Neesham.
“Unfortunately Martin hasn’t recovered in time for this T20 series - which is very condensed with three games over five days,” said Stead.
“It’s a shame as he’s obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but we’ve got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right.
“It’s great to have Jimmy coming into the side after some encouraging ODI performances. It promises to be an exciting series.”
The BLACKCAPS and India men begin their three-game series at Westpac Stadium on Wednesday at 8pm, following the WHITE FERNS against India women on the same pitch at 4pm.
BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS schedules.
BLACKCAPS T20I squad v India
Kane Williamson (c)
Doug Bracewell
Colin de Grandhomme
Lockie Ferguson (Games 1 & 2)
Scott Kuggeleijn
Daryl Mitchell
Colin Munro
Jimmy Neesham
Mitchell Santner
Tim Seifert (wk)
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
Blair Tickner (Game 3)
