New Zealand captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Pakistan after suffering a fractured hand during training.
Latham, who was set to lead the Black Caps in Mitchell Santner’s absence, sustained the injury in practice, with scans confirming the fracture.
Henry Nicholls has been called up as his replacement, while Michael Bracewell, who captained the side in the T20I series, will continue leading the team.
Mitchell Hay will take over wicket-keeping duties, while Rhys Mariu joins the squad as batting cover. Will Young will be available only for the first ODI before leaving for the birth of his second child.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead acknowledged the setbacks but remained optimistic.
“We’ve had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons,” Stead said. “It’s disappointing to lose Tom as captain, but Michael has done a great job in the T20I series and will continue leading the team.”
The three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan begins on 29 March in Napier, followed by matches on 2 and 5 April. New Zealand recently won the T20I series 4-1.