New Zealand omitted Rachin Ravindra from the T20I matches against Australia after he cut his face during practice at Bay Oval on Tuesday. The injury occurred when Ravindra hit a boundary barrier while fielding and needed stitches for wounds above his lip and nose. Coach Rob Walter said medical staff wanted Ravindra to heal before the England series begins in two weeks.
Jimmy Neesham joined the squad in Tauranga as Ravindra's replacement for the three-game series. Walter praised Neesham's versatility and international experience across 84 T20I appearances. Ravindra sustained another facial injury earlier this year when a ball struck his forehead during floodlit warmups in Lahore before the Champions Trophy.
Jimmy Neesham joined the squad in Tauranga as Ravindra's replacement for the three-game series. Walter praised Neesham's versatility and international experience across 84 T20I appearances. Ravindra sustained another facial injury earlier this year when a ball struck his forehead during floodlit warmups in Lahore before the Champions Trophy.
