Lahore: New Zealand Wicketkeeper-Batsman Tom Blundell will miss the one-day series against Pakistan because of the quad left tension, tourists said before the opening series Friday in Rawalpindi.
Daryl Mitchell’s all-rounder, who was originally picked for the next twenty -20 series against Pakistan, will join the squad one day before the second match after completing its obligatory isolation.
“Obviously everyone is broken hearted for Tom, he is a quality player with a variety of skills,” said Stand-In coach Glenn Pocknall in a team statement on Thursday.
“He will stick with the squad and we hope he will be available again for the T20i series.” With Tom Out, we lost our first choice of goalkeeper’s first choice.
“However, there are some people in the squad by keeping the experience and we will make sure they do the work needed on training to accelerate if called.” Pocknall and Shane Jurgensen will divide the Customs Matrie in Pakistan as a regular coach Gary Stead remains back in New Zealand.
Blundell suffered an injury during their twenty-two 3-2 defeat in Bangladesh.
“The injury was unfaithful where we wanted it so we thought the best for him to concentrate on rehabilitation considering the big summer cricket in front,” said Physio Nishil Shah.
New Zealand will play three days a day against Pakistan before moving to Lahore for the two matches of two matches.