Tom Latham will miss the ODI series against Pakistan after fracturing his right hand during a training session. X-rays confirmed the extent of the injury, leaving New Zealand without their designated captain for the series. In his absence, Michael Bracewell will lead the team, having already captained the side in the T20I series. Henry Nicholls has been called up as a replacement, while Mitch Hay will take over wicketkeeping duties.
Will Young will be available only for the first ODI in his hometown of Napier before leaving the squad to be with his wife, Elise, for the birth of their first child. To cover for Young, uncapped 23-year-old batter Rhys Mariu has been added to the squad. Mariu, who boasts an impressive first-class average of 61.73, earns his first call-up to the national side.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead acknowledged the challenges faced by the squad, with several players unavailable for different reasons. “We’ve had to be flexible this tour,” Stead said. “But it gives opportunities to others, and it’s great to bring Rhys into the setup and welcome back Henry, who has been in good form since recovering from his three-month injury layoff.”
Stead also expressed disappointment at losing Latham just before the series. “It’s unfortunate to lose Tom, but Michael has done a great job leading the T20I side. We wish Tom a speedy recovery,” he added.
The uncapped duo of Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly had already been named in the ODI squad, while Kane Williamson opted out of the series. New Zealand, who recently won the T20I series 4-1, will look to carry that momentum into the ODIs against Pakistan.
