New Zealand ached a stroke ahead of the ODI series versus India after star man and captain Kane Williamson were ruled out of the two games of the series with an arm injury. In Williamson’s inadequacy, wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham will lead New Zealand with Mark Chapman convened up to the team to substitute the 29-year-old.
Williamson first injured his arm in the third T20I versus India in the just-concluded series and didn’t emphasize in the final two matches. Even though the x-rays exposed nothing severe, the team administration has opted for a careful strategy with a Test series to regard as well. However, New Zealand is confident that the captain will be back to manage the side in the final ODI on February 11 in Mount Maunganui.
The injury provides Chapman an opportunity to make a comeback into the national side with the 22-year-old having last played an ODI almost two years ago. Chapman comes in on a fine run of form, having recently scored centuries against India A in the third unofficial ODI and in the first four-day game. Both those hundreds came in at No.6 which will provide New Zealand a reliable option down the order.
The first ODI is scheduled to be played on February 5 in Hamilton and the Test series will commence from February 21. India whitewashed New Zealand 5-0 in the T20I leg of the tour.
