Adam Milne has been replaced in the New Zealand team for the ODIs against Pakistan and India by Blair Tickner. Milne’s reservations regarding his preparation for the back-to-back away series led to the choice to draught Tickner.
Milne missed two games in the Ford Trophy for the Wellington Firebirds after Milne concluded the series against India with a stiff hamstring. Despite returning for two Super Smash games in December, the idea of playing six ODI matches over the course of 16 days was seen to be too risky.
Thus, it was decided by both parties to switch Milne out for Tickner of the Central Stags, who is already in Pakistan with the Test team.
Chief selector Gavin Larsen said, “Adam was extremely open with us about his concerns over the lack of one-day bowling loading for the upcoming tours. “After speaking with him, we determined that his pre-tour preparation was insufficient for him to handle the demands of back-to-back, three-game ODI series.
“We like his openness and his sincere desire to uphold the team’s reputation. Blair is a similar prospect to what Adam offered us because of his ability to hit the ball hard and bowl in the centre. It’s an extra plus that he is already in Pakistan and experiencing the conditions.
The ODI team from New Zealand will leave for Pakistan on January 4, play all three matches in Karachi on January 9, 11, and 13, and then travel to India for ODIs on January 18, 21 and 24.
