Injury forces Martin Guptill to withdraw from the Pakistan series
New Zealand's swashbuckling opening batsman Martin Guptill is set to miss the upcoming series against Pakistan. The aggressive right-handed batsman strained his calf during a Plunket Shield game. Kiwis selector Gavin Larsen said that Guptill had no choice but to withdraw from the ODI and T20I squads. Here is more on the same.
Kiwis worried about Guptill with long summer ahead
Selector Larsen stated that, "Unfortunately for Martin, it will take him some time to get over this injury and, with a long summer ahead, we need to make sure we minimize the risk of him repeating it," he said. "Gary Stead and I will work through the possible replacement options. We now have three spots to fill in the T20 and one-day squads."
It's extremely frustrating, says Guptill
The 32-year-old has been a mainstay of New Zealand's ODI and T20I side since quite some time. The senior player averages an impressive 42.99 in ODIs and 34.40 in T20Is. "It's extremely frustrating to pick this up after tracking so well with how my hamstring was going...it's gutting and I wish I was out there," the opener said.
Here is the schedule of Pakistan vs New Zealand
The Kiwis will play three Twenty20 Internationals from October 31 onwards against the Pakistani side. Pakistan face Australia in T20Is prior to the series against Kiwis. The Asian team will also play three ODIs and three Tests next month against New Zealand. Kiwis will hope to give a solid account of themselves against high-flying Pakistan.
