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New Zealand’s preparations for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England have been hit by an injury setback, as fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has been ruled out after suffering stiffness in his left side during a training session. The Black Caps, who are set to face England in the series opener on Sunday (October 26), will announce a replacement for the pacer after the first round of the Ford Trophy One-Day Competition.
Injury blow forces New Zealand to change their bowling strategy
Jamieson, one of New Zealand’s leading seamers, complained of discomfort after bowling during a practice session, prompting the medical staff to immediately intervene. Head coach Rob Walter confirmed that the management decided not to take any chances with the tall quick, emphasizing the need to manage workloads carefully ahead of a packed home season.
“Kyle experienced some stiffness in his side after bowling today and we didn’t want to take any risks at this stage of the summer,” Walter said in his official statement. “We felt it was best for him to sit out this one-day series and give himself the best chance of being ready for the West Indies tour which starts on November 5 in Auckland.”
The coach’s statement reflects New Zealand’s cautious approach with Jamieson, who has battled multiple injury setbacks in recent years, including a recurring back issue that sidelined him for much of 2023. His absence once again leaves a void in New Zealand’s pace attack, particularly with his ability to generate bounce and movement in seamer-friendly conditions.
With Jamieson ruled out, the team management will look to Matt Henry, Jacob Duff and Nathan Smith to shoulder the pace responsibilities. Henry, in particular, will be expected to lead the new-ball attack, supported by all-rounders Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra, who can provide crucial overs in the middle stages.
The ODI series against England will also serve as a testing ground for new combinations and younger players, including Zak Foulkes, who earned his maiden call-up earlier this year.
The Black Caps will be eager to bounce back from their recent white-ball defeats and solidify their lineup before the West Indies tour begins in early November.
New Zealand’s squad for England ODIs
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
The first ODI between New Zealand and England will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, followed by matches in Hamilton and Wellington, where the Black Caps will look to regroup and test their depth without star pacer, Kyle Jamieson.
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