Double blow to New Zealand before Pakistan tour, 2 star players out due to injury

The series of 5 T20 matches between Pakistan and New Zealand is going to start from 18th April. The New Zealand team suffered a double blow just before leaving for Pakistan. Fast bowler Adam Milne and top-order batsman Finn Allen have been ruled out of this entire series due to injury. It is being told that during practice, Allen got injured in his back and Milne got injured in his ankle. In place of these injured players, wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell and uncapped all-rounder Jack Foulkes have been called into the team as replacements.

Adam Milne and Finn Allen's injuries will prevent them from playing in the five-match series that begins in Rawalpindi next week, according to a statement released by New Zealand Cricket. When he will be back on the pitch for New Zealand will be updated in the upcoming weeks.

In the 2023–24 Super Smash season, the 21-year-old Foulkes—who was selected for the team instead of Adam Milne—exhibited his skill by grabbing 14 wickets at a remarkable average of 16.28 while playing for Canterbury. In addition, he had an outstanding 150 strike rate while batting. The second replacement, Blundell, has, however, participated in seven T20 matches thus far.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said that our support staff and medical team will work closely with both players over the next few weeks to complete their treatment and then plan their return to cricket. The New Zealand team will leave for Pakistan from Auckland and the first T20 match of the 5-match series will be played in Rawalpindi on 18 April.