Before the start of the five-match T20 International Championship series between India and New Zealand, the New Zealand team had to face two serious problems. Due to injuries, Mark Chapman and Jack Faulkner will be unable to participate in the entire series. In their place, all-rounder Josh Clark and fast bowler Blair Tickner have been included in the squad.
Chapman was diagnosed with a hamstring injury during a T20 league game in Europe last month, which will prevent him from participating in the upcoming T20 series against India. His next goal is to return to the squad for the ODI matches against India. As for Faulkner, he is struggling with hip flexor issues, and his return date to the field has not yet been determined.
New Zealand's head coach, Rob Walters, expressed regret over the injuries to both players. He noted that he felt sorry for Mark and Jack and wished them a speedy recovery. At the same time, Walters expressed confidence in the experience of Clark and Tickner, noting that their inclusion in the team is a positive development. He also expressed hope that both players would be happy for the opportunity to play in this exciting T20 series.
The series between India and New Zealand will begin on October 22nd in Christchurch. Both teams previously met in the final of the Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year, where India won convincingly by a score of 96 runs.
The New Zealand squad, consisting of 16 players, includes Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bresshaw, Josh Clark, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Loki Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevan Jabs, Kyle Jamieson, Edmil Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Timifert, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner.
The schedule for the India-New Zealand T20 series is as follows: the first T20 will take place on October 22nd in Christchurch; the second T20 on October 24th in Christchurch; the third T20 on October 27th in Wellington; the fourth T20 on October 30th in Auckland; and the fifth T20 is scheduled for November 1st in Hamilton.