For the five-match series, for which New Zealand was already without twelve players, Tom Blundell has also been called in.
Due to their exclusion from New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan, Finn Allen and Adam Milne’s availability for the T20 World Cup is in doubt.
Before the side left for the five-match T20I series, Allen hurt his back in training, and Milne had an ankle issue.
In their stead, uncapped all-rounder Zak Foulkes and Tom Blundell have been called up. Tom Bruce was taken into consideration, however he had to withdraw from consideration for family reasons and to complete his county contract with Lancashire.
With a T20I strike-rate of 163.60, Allen, a potent opening batsman, would almost certainly be included in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup roster. Depending on how many quick bowlers are selected, Milne, who has had a career plagued by injuries, may not be guaranteed a berth in the final 15 for the USA and the Caribbean.
“We are sorry for Finn and Adam, who both sustained injuries so soon after the trip began. Since the last World Cup, they have performed well for us in the Twenty20 format, according to New Zealand coach Gary Stead.
“Our support staff and medical networks will be working closely with both players over the next few weeks to complete plans for their treatment and subsequent return to cricket.”
In the 2023–24 Super Smash, Foulkes, who is 21 years old, had a 150 batting strike-rate and claimed 14 wickets for Canterbury at a cost of 16.28. Test wicketkeeper Blundell of New Zealand has participated in seven T20 Internationals before.
“Zak has had an impressive season for Canterbury including being their leading wicket taker in all three competitions,” Stead stated. “He has shown remarkable ball-handling abilities, especially when playing T20 cricket for the Kings. We are also aware of his bat skills, so this will be a great chance for him to join the team.”
Due to IPL obligations, New Zealand was already shorthanded for the Pakistan tour, with Will Young (county cricket), Tom Latham (paternity), and Tim Southee (strength and conditioning) also unavailable.
Tim Robinson, an uncapped batter, will also be a member of the team led by all-arounder Michael Bracewell.
May 1 is the deadline for naming the initial T20 World Cup team, but changes can be made at any time until May 25.