New Zealand’s squad for the T20I series against Pakistan has been hit with injury blows to a couple of key players. The Blackcaps are set to take on the Men in Green in a five-match series and the squad was already depleted with several players featuring in the Indian Premier League. Now it will feature more absentees.

Fast bowler Adam Milne and opening batter Finn Allen have been ruled out of the series due to injuries. “Allen suffered a back injury and Milne an ankle injury while training ahead of this evening’s departure. The nature of their respective injuries meant they wouldn’t be able to take part in any of the five-match series, due to start next week in Rawalpindi. Plans for their return to cricket will be confirmed in the coming weeks,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement. 

Tom Blundell, Zak Foulkes named replacements

Notably, NZC has named wicket-keeper batter Tom Blundell and all-rounder Zak Foulkes as replacements for the two injured players. “Foulkes joins a BLACKCAPS squad for the first time, while the experienced Blundell toured Pakistan last year and will provide solid cover in terms of wicket-keeping and top-order batting,” NZC added.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead fielt for the injury issues and stated that the support staff would work to get the cricketers back onto the field. “We feel for both Finn and Adam, suffering injuries so close to the start of the tour. They have been strong performers for us in the T20 format since the last World Cup. Our support staff and medical networks will be working closely with both players over the next few weeks to complete plans for their treatment and subsequent return to cricket,” Stead said.