After T20I rout, Bracewell to Lead NZ in ODIs as Latham injured

New Zealand’s cricket team will be without Tom Latham for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan after he suffered a fractured hand during training. Michael Bracewell will step in as captain, while Henry Nicholls has been called up to join the squad. Kiwi’s recently won the T20 series against Pakistan by 4-1 under Bracewell’s captaincy.

Changes in the squad

Latham was set to lead New Zealand in the absence of Mitchell Santner, who is participating in the IPL. Mitch Hay will take over wicketkeeping duties, and Bracewell will continue as captain, having led the team in the T20I series.

Will Young will leave the squad after the first match in his hometown of Napier due to the upcoming birth of his first child. In his place, Rhys Mariu, a 23-year-old with an impressive first-class average of 61.73, has been called up for his first international stint.

Coach’s perspective

New Zealand coach Gary Stead acknowledged the need for flexibility due to players being unavailable for various reasons. “What it does do is offer opportunities to others players and it’s nice to introduce Rhys into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry,” he stated. Stead noted Nicholls’ recent good form and expressed confidence in Bracewell’s leadership, wishing Latham a speedy recovery. “Finally we wish Will and his wife Elise all the best next week as they await their first child which is such a special and important time for them,” he added.

New faces to come

Additionally, Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly, both uncapped, are set to join the squad, while Kane Williamson will not be available. New Zealand enters the ODI series on a high, having won the preceding T20I series 4-1 against Pakistan.