Tom Latham ruled out of ODI series against Pakistan

New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham will not play in the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan after suffering a hand injury during training.

Latham fractured his right hand while batting in the nets earlier this week. After an X-ray, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that he will need to wear a cast and take at least four weeks of rest and rehabilitation.

In his absence, Henry Nicholls has been added to the squad. Nicholls, who has played 78 ODIs, has recently regained form in domestic cricket. He scored five half-centuries in six innings after recovering from a calf injury that kept him out for most of the season.

Michael Bracewell, who led New Zealand in the T20I series, will now captain the ODI team. Latham was originally named as captain for the ODI series as regular skipper Mitchell Santner is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Blackcaps will also miss opener Will Young in the second and third ODIs. He will return home as he and his wife are expecting their first child. Young will play the first match of the series in Napier on Saturday and then be replaced by uncapped Canterbury batter Rhys Mariu, who has received his first international call-up.

Head coach Gary Stead spoke about the changes in the squad and wished Latham a speedy recovery.

"We've had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons," Stead said.

"What it does do is offer opportunities to other players and it's nice to introduce Rhys into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry," he added.

"Henry has been in good form since returning from his three-month injury layoff and will add valuable skills and experience to the team. It's obviously disappointing to lose Tom as captain on the eve of the series and we wish him a speedy recovery. The side is in safe hands with Michael who's done a great job through the T20I series.

"Finally we wish Will and his wife Elise all the best next week as they await their first child which is such a special and important time for them."

The first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played on March 29.

It is worth mentioning that New Zealand recently defeated Pakistan 4-1 in the five-match T20I series. In the final match, Tim Seifert played an outstanding knock of 97 not out from 38 balls, helping his side chase down 129 runs in just 10 overs.