Adam Milne pulls out of upcoming ODI series in India and Pakistan due to lack of preparation

New Zealand pacer Adam Milne is set to miss the upcoming white-ball tours of Pakistan and India owing to lack of preparation.

Milne was set to join the New Zealand team who are currently in Pakistan playing their second and final test of the series, for the ODI series starting from January 9 and then for the limited overs series against India later this month.

However, with the Kiwis set to play a total of six ODIs in a span of 16 days, Milne expressed concerns about his lack of one-day bowling to selector Gavin Larsen.

Therefore, on mutual agreement, a decision was taken to replace Milne with Central Stags pace bowler, Blair Tickner who is already present in Pakistan with the Test team.

Adam Milne missed two Ford Trophy matches in December and made a delayed return to the Wellington Firebirds due to a tight hamstring which he had suffered after the home series against India.

Milne had however, featured in two games for Wellington in the Super Smash season. But looking at the high number of ODIs scheduled this year, it was in the best interest of Milne to get a break and have sufficient amount of bowling practice before he takes the field.

Kiwi Selector Gavin Larsen expressed his views

In a statement released by New Zealand Cricket, Larsen said, “Adam was quite open with us about his concerns around the lack of one-day bowling loading for the upcoming tours.

Larsen further added that “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.

Larsen confirmed that Milne will continue to play for Wellington whenever he is available. Blair Tickner who has been named as the replacement for Milne, has six ODIs under his belt. He is already present in Pakistan and is training with the test team.

The Kiwi ODI team departs on January 4 for the upcoming three match series in Pakistan followed by limited overs series in India later this month.

New Zealand squad for Pakistan ODIs:

Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner.

New Zealand squad for India ODIs:

Tom Latham (c), Kane Williamson, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner