Christchurch: New Zealand have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming five-match T20I series against India, with Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes ruled out due to injuries. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed the development on Friday, October 8, announcing Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner as their respective replacements.
Chapman, who sustained a left hamstring tear while participating in the European T20 Premier League last month, will miss the entire T20I series. However, the batter is progressing well in his recovery and is expected to regain fitness in time for the subsequent ODI series against India.
Meanwhile, Foulkes suffered a right hip flexor injury during a recent training session with Canterbury. Unlike Chapman, there is currently no confirmed timeline for the fast bowler’s return to competitive cricket.
The injuries have forced New Zealand to make two changes to their squad just weeks before the opening match of the series.
Allrounder Josh Clarkson has been brought in to replace Chapman, while experienced fast bowler Blair Tickner will take Foulkes’ place in the T20I squad.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over losing two players but welcomed the opportunity to include Clarkson and Tickner in the team.
“I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery,” Walter said.
The head coach also expressed confidence in the replacements, highlighting the experience and abilities they bring to the squad.
“We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very excited to be involved in what’s shaping up to be an epic T20 series.”
Despite the injury setbacks, New Zealand will enter the series with a strong squad featuring several established international players.
Mitchell Santner will captain the side, which includes Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert.
The bowling department features Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne and Jacob Duffy, alongside the newly included Tickner.
The five-match T20I series between New Zealand and India is scheduled to begin in Christchurch on October 22.
New Zealand T20I squad against India: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner.
