New Zealand is set to lose two of its key contributors in its series against Pakistan beginning later this month.
Finn Allen and Adam Milne were ruled out with injureis sustained during traning sessions and will not be able to play against Pakistan.
Explosive opener Allen has a back injury while Milne has an ankle injury.
In their place, the Kiwis will call up Tom Blundell and Zak Foulkes. For the latter, it will be his first taste of international cricket.
“We feel for both Finn and Adam, suffering injuries so close to the start of the tour. They have been strong performers for us in the T20 format since the last World Cup,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said.
Both Milne and Allen could also be in doubt for the T20 world cup later this month.
New Zealand are already slated to be without as many as nine of their major players for the series. The players have opted to play for the Indian Premier League instead.
The five-match T20 series between NZ and Pakistan will begin on April 18. The matches will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
