Sport

NZ pace bowler Milne ruled out of England ODI series

06:11 am on 10 September 2023

Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021

Pace bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of the remainder of the Black Caps' one-day international series against England with a low-grade hamstring injury and been replaced by Ben Lister.

Milne suffered hamstring tightness at training in Cardiff before Saturday opening match, which the tourists won by eight wickets, and a subsequent scan revealed he would need a period of rehabilitation.

The 31-year-old, who had also been named in the ODI squad to travel to Bangladesh this month, will remain with the squad in England to work on his recovery.

Lister will join the New Zealand squad on Sunday, as he is in England with Kent, having signed on to play the remaining games of the County Championship season.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead said having cover in the squad was important with the compact nature of the schedule, which features three more ODIs against England in a four-match series.

"We have short turnarounds between these matches and want to try and look after the players as much as possible with the upcoming schedule," Stead said.

"With Ben already here in England it meant we could have him join the squad at short notice without the recovery time of a bowler joining from New Zealand mid-series.

"Ben impressed us in the UAE and warm-up matches in England and will continue to learn being around some senior players in the touring group."

The second ODI is in Southampton on Monday.

- RNZ