Adam Milne has been withdrawn from the Black Caps white-ball squads for the upcoming series in Pakistan and India due to concerns about his preparation.
Adam Milne in action for the Wellington Firebirds in a Super Smash match against the Central Stags in Palmerston North. Photo: Photosport
The right-arm pace bowler, who has been dogged by injury throughout his international career, finished the recent home series against India with a tight hamstring and subsequently had his return delayed for the Wellington Firebirds, missing two Ford Trophy one-day matches in December.
Despite playing the first two games of the Dream11 Super Smash season for the Firebirds, the prospect of six ODIs in 16 days across Pakistan (January 9, 11, 13) and India (January 18, 21, 24) was considered too big of a risk.
A decision was made, by mutual agreement, to replace 30-year-old Milne with Central Stags pace bowler Blair Tickner, who is already in Pakistan with the test team.
New Zealand men's selector Gavin Larsen said the decision wasn't an easy one.
"Adam was very up front with us about his concerns around the lack of one-day bowling loading for the upcoming tours," Larsen said.
"After chatting to him, we agreed his preparation leading into the tour wouldn't be sufficient for him to cope with the demands of back-to-back, three-game ODI series.
"We appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down."
Milne will continue to play for the Wellington Firebirds when available for the remainder of the home summer.
Larsen said Tickner, who has six ODIs to his name, was a ready-made replacement.
"Blair's skills at bowling through the middle and his ability to hit the pitch hard make him a similar prospect to what Adam offered us.
"The fact he's already in Pakistan experiencing the conditions is an added bonus."
The Black Caps ODI players leave for Pakistan on Wednesday.
- RNZ