Finn Allen after injuries
New Zealand Cricket has some unfortunate news to share about the upcoming Pakistani tour. Opener Finn Allen and fast bowler Adam Milne won’t be joining the team due to injuries. Allen hurt his back, while Milne injured his ankle during training just before the trip.
Because of their injuries, they won’t be able to play in any of the five matches scheduled to start next week in Rawalpindi. The team will miss them, but plans for their recovery will be sorted out in the coming weeks.
To fill the gaps left by Allen and Milne, New Zealand Cricket has called up Tom Blundell, who is a wicketkeeper, and Zak Foulkes, an allrounder who has never played for the national team before. This tour already has many regular players missing, as they’re busy playing in the Indian Premier League.
Blundell last played T20 Internationals for New Zealand over two years ago, but he’s a skilled player, especially with his wicketkeeping and batting abilities. He’s also been to Pakistan before, so he knows the conditions well. As for Foulkes, he’s had a great season playing for Canterbury, and he’s shown his talent both with the ball and the bat, especially in T20 cricket for the Kings.
Coach Gary Stead thinks highly of both players. He says Blundell is not skilled or a leader in any team he’s part of. He praises Foulkes for his excellent performance this season and believes this tour will be a great opportunity for him to show his skills on the international stage.
The series against Pakistan will also see the return of allrounder Michael Bracewell, which adds to the excitement. The matches begin on April 18, with the final one taking place on April 27.
