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Wellington, April 12 (HS). Finn Allen and Adam Milne have been ruled out of New Zealand's tour to Pakistan, raising questions over whether both will be fit for the T20 World Cup.
Allen has suffered a back injury and Milne suffered an ankle problem during training before the team left for the five-match T20 series.
Tom Blundell and uncapped all-rounder Jack Foulkes have been called up as their replacements. Tom Bruce was considered, but made himself unavailable for family reasons and to continue his county deal with Lancashire.
Allen, the explosive opening batsman who has a T20I strike-rate of 163.60, will be assured of a place in New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad. Milne, whose career has been riddled with injuries, is unlikely to get a place in the final 15 for the World Cup squad, depending on how many fast bowlers are taken.
“We are saddened by both Finn and Adam, who have struggled with injuries so close to the start of the tour,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said in an official statement on Friday. He has been performing strongly for us in the T20 format since the last World Cup.”
“Our support staff and medical network will be working closely with both players over the next few weeks to plan their treatment and subsequent return to cricket,” he said.
The 21-year-old Foulkes took 14 wickets for Canterbury in the 2023-24 Super Smash and had a batting strike rate of 150. New Zealand's Test wicketkeeper Blundell has played the first seven T20Is.
“Zach has had an impressive season for Canterbury, displaying impressive skill with the ball, particularly in T20 cricket for the Kings,” Stead said. We also know he has skills with the bat and it will be a great opportunity for him to be part of the group.”
New Zealand were already without nine players for the Pakistan tour due to IPL commitments, with Will Young (county cricket), Tom Latham (paternity) and Tim Southee (strength and conditioning) also unavailable.
All-rounder Michael Bracewell will captain the team and uncapped batsman Tim Robinson is also included in the team. The preliminary T20 World Cup squad is to be announced by May 1, but can be freely amended until May 25.