Batter Mark Chapman and fast bowler Zak Foulkes have been ruled out of New Zealand's five-match T20I series against India starting October 22, with all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner drafted in as replacements.
New Zealand’s preparations for their upcoming Twenty20 international series against India suffered a double setback on Friday, with batter Mark Chapman and fast bowler Zak Foulkes both ruled out through injury.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed the two withdrawals in an official statement. Chapman sustained a tear in his left hamstring while playing in the European T20 League last month. According to officials, the batter is recovering well and is expected to be available for the subsequent one-day international series against India.
Foulkes, meanwhile, injured his right hip flexor during a recent Canterbury men’s training session. No timeline has yet been set for the fast bowler’s return to play, leaving him unavailable for the five-match T20 contest.
To cover the absences, New Zealand have called all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner into the 16-member T20 squad for the India series. Head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment over the injuries while welcoming the opportunity to bring the two replacements into the side.
“I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery,” Walter said. “We’re fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know they’re both very excited to be involved in what’s shaping up to be an epic T20 series.”
India’s tour of New Zealand features five T20 internationals, five one-day internationals and two Tests, with the opening T20 scheduled for October 22 in Christchurch. The India series is among the most closely watched fixtures on New Zealand’s home calendar, and the loss of an experienced batter and a frontline quick will test the depth of the Black Caps’ squad.
The updated 16-member T20 squad for the India series is: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner.
Chapman’s absence in particular removes a proven middle-order option from the line-up, while Foulkes’ injury trims New Zealand’s fast-bowling resources. Both Clarkson and Tickner will now have the chance to stake their claims at international level in a high-profile home series.
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