New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Friday, October 8, that Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes will miss the upcoming home T20I series against India due to injuries. Chapman, who sustained a left hamstring tear while competing in the European T20 Premier League last month, is currently expected to recover in time for the ODI leg of the series. Meanwhile, Foulkes is dealing with a right hip flexor injury picked up during a recent training session with Canterbury, leaving his return date uncertain.
In response to the vacancies, selectors have brought in allrounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner to round out the squad. Head coach Rob Walter expressed his sympathy for the sidelined players, stating, “I’m gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery.”
Walter added that the team is fortunate to secure two experienced replacements who are eager to participate in the five-match series, which is set to begin in Christchurch on October 22. “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,” he noted.
