BLACKCAPS batter Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the Chappell-Hadlee trophy KFC T20I series against Australia at Bay Oval, with Jimmy Neesham replacing him in the squad.
Ravindra collided with a perimeter boundary hoarding during fielding practice yesterday and suffered a facial laceration which required stitches.
BLACKCAPS coach Rob Walter said the team was feeling for Ravindra.
“We’re all really disappointed for Rachin to be forced to miss the series,” Walter said.
“He sustained a major laceration to his upper lip and nose area which required specialist and intricate stitching and will take time to heal.
“Rachin is obviously an important player for us, but his health and wellbeing is our top priority, and so the decision was made to send him home to recover with an eye to being available for the England series in two weeks’ time.”
Neesham, who has played 84 T20Is and was with the BLACKCAPS in Zimbabwe in July, has linked up with the squad in Tauranga.
Walter said Neesham was a proven player to be bringing into the squad.
“We’re lucky to be able to call on Jimmy who brings all his experience and all-round capabilities.
“It’s going to be a big night at Bay Oval and I know we’re all looking forward to getting the Chappell-Hadlee underway.”
Tonight’s opening game of the series starts at 7.15pm, live in New Zealand on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 1, with Sport Nation and the Alternative Commentary Collective providing audio commentary.
Game two of the series is Friday night, with the third and final match on Saturday night at the same venue.
