NZ vs PAK ODI Series: Injured Latham Ruled Out; Bracewell to Continue as Captain

New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan due to a fractured right hand, with Michael Bracewell retaining captaincy.  

Latham’s Injury Blow for New Zealand 

Tom Latham suffered a fractured right hand after being struck by a delivery during a net session earlier this week. An X-ray confirmed the injury, requiring a cast and at least four weeks of rehabilitation.  

With Latham unavailable, Henry Nicholls has been called up as his replacement. Nicholls, who has 78 ODI caps, recently returned to form after recovering from a calf injury, scoring five 50-plus runs in six domestic innings.  

Bracewell to Lead, Mitch Hay as Wicketkeeper  

Following his successful stint as T20I captain in the 4-1 series win over Pakistan, Michael Bracewell will continue leading the side in the ODIs. Wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Mitch Hay, who replaces Latham behind the stumps.  

Will Young to Miss Matches for Family Reasons  

Opener Will Young will only play the first ODI in his hometown Napier before leaving the squad to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. Canterbury’s Rhys Mariu, 23, has earned his maiden call-up as batting cover for the remaining matches.  

ODI Series Schedule 

1st ODI – March 29, 11:00 AM (Local) – McLean Park, Napier  

2nd ODI – April 2, 11:00 AM (Local) – Seddon Park, Hamilton  

3rd ODI – April 5, 11:00 AM (Local) – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui  

Key Takeaways 

Tom Latham out for 4+ weeks with a fractured hand.  

Michael Bracewell continues as captain after T20I success.  

Henry Nicholls returns to the ODI squad.  

Rhys Mariu gets his first NZ call-up as cover for Will Young.  

Trending Hashtags  

#NZvPAK #BlackCaps #PakistanCricket #CricketNews #LathamInjury #BracewellCaptain  

SEO Keywords 

New Zealand vs Pakistan ODI, Tom Latham injury, Michael Bracewell captain, Henry Nicholls return, Will Young paternity leave, Rhys Mariu debut, NZ vs PAK schedule  

Search Description 

New Zealand’s Tom Latham ruled out of the ODI series vs Pakistan due to a fractured hand. Michael Bracewell to lead, Henry Nicholls returns. Full schedule & updates.  

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Cricket, New Zealand Cricket, Pakistan Cricket, ODI Series, Injury Update, Sports News