Wellington: New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne on Monday pulled himself out of the limited overs tour of Pakistan and India due to lack of preparation.
Milne ended the recent home series against India with a tight hamstring and subsequently delayed his return for the Wellington Firebirds, missing two Ford Trophy matches in December.
Despite playing the first two games of the Dream11 Super Smash season for the Firebirds, the prospect of six ODIs in 16 days in Pakistan and India was deemed too big a risk.
It was therefore decided by mutual agreement to replace Milne with Central Stags fast bowler Blair Tickner, who is already in Pakistan with the Test team.
New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said the decision was not an easy one.
“Adam spoke very openly with us about his concerns about the lack of one-day bowling loads for the upcoming tours,” Larsen said in a New Zealand Cricket statement.
“After speaking to him, we agreed that his preparation for the tour would not be sufficient to deal with the demands of a three-match ODI series in a row.
“We appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down.”
Milne will continue to play for the Wellington Firebirds when available for the remainder of the home summer.
Larsen said Tickner had six ODIs to his name and was a ready-made substitute.
“Blair’s skill to bowl in the middle and his ability to hit the pitch hard gave him the same chances that Adam gave us.
“The fact that he is already facing the conditions in Pakistan is an added bonus.”
The ODI players will leave for Pakistan from New Zealand on January 4. The India series of three ODIs and as many T20 matches will begin on January 18.
Milne ended the recent home series against India with a tight hamstring and subsequently delayed his return for the Wellington Firebirds, missing two Ford Trophy matches in December.
Despite playing the first two games of the Dream11 Super Smash season for the Firebirds, the prospect of six ODIs in 16 days in Pakistan and India was deemed too big a risk.
It was therefore decided by mutual agreement to replace Milne with Central Stags fast bowler Blair Tickner, who is already in Pakistan with the Test team.
New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said the decision was not an easy one.
“Adam spoke very openly with us about his concerns about the lack of one-day bowling loads for the upcoming tours,” Larsen said in a New Zealand Cricket statement.
“After speaking to him, we agreed that his preparation for the tour would not be sufficient to deal with the demands of a three-match ODI series in a row.
“We appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down.”
Milne will continue to play for the Wellington Firebirds when available for the remainder of the home summer.
Larsen said Tickner had six ODIs to his name and was a ready-made substitute.
“Blair’s skill to bowl in the middle and his ability to hit the pitch hard gave him the same chances that Adam gave us.
“The fact that he is already facing the conditions in Pakistan is an added bonus.”
The ODI players will leave for Pakistan from New Zealand on January 4. The India series of three ODIs and as many T20 matches will begin on January 18.