Black Caps batter Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia at the Bay Oval in Tauranga after suffering a freak injury at training yesterday.
The Black Caps confirmed this afternoon he will be replaced by Jimmy Neesham in the squad.
Yesterday, Ravindra suffered a facial injury after colliding with the boundary fence while attempting to take a catch during a fielding drill.
Coach Rob Walter said today the “freak accident” meant he required stitches.
“We’re all really disappointed for Rachin to be forced to miss the series,” he said.
“He sustained a major laceration to his upper lip and nose area which required specialist and intricate stitching and will take time to heal.
“Rachin is obviously an important player for us, but his health and wellbeing is our top priority, and so the decision was made to send him home to recover with an eye to being available for the England series in two weeks’ time.”
Neesham has played 84 T20Is and was with the Black Caps in Zimbabwe in July.
Walter said Neesham was a proven player to bring into the squad.
“We’re lucky to be able to call on Jimmy who brings all of his experience and all-round capabilities.
“It’s going to be a big night at Bay Oval and I know we’re all looking forward to getting the Chappell-Hadlee underway.”
The opening game of the series starts tonight at 7.15pm.
It is available to view live and free on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+. Game two of the series is set to take place Friday night, and the third and final match on Saturday night.
