New Zealand cricketer Tom Latham has been excluded from the ODI series against Pakistan due to a fractured hand sustained during practice.

New Zealand player Michael Bracewell will remain as captain following the T20I series, with uncapped Rhys Mariu joining the squad as batting cover.

Bracewell will lead the team, and Henry Nicholls has been called up to replace Latham. Rhys Mariu is also included, while Will Young has withdrawn from the squad after the first match in anticipation of his second child’s birth.

Latham was expected to captain the Black Caps, with regular skipper Mitchell Santner occupied with domestic T20 commitments. Latham sustained an injury to his right hand, and X-rays confirmed the severity of the damage.

Mitch Hay will take over the wicketkeeping duties, and Bracewell, after successfully leading the team in a T20I series against the same opponent, will gain valuable leadership experience in the longer white-ball format.

Despite several players being unavailable, New Zealand coach Gary Stead remained optimistic.

“We’ve had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons,” Stead said.

“What it does do is offer opportunities to others players and it’s nice to introduce Rhys (Mariu) into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry (Nicholls).”

The three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan kicks off on Saturday in Napier.

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