Kieron Pollard to miss New Zealand T20Is

The T20 I series starts from December 29.

Pollard will miss the series due to personal reasons. (AFP)

According to reports from the West Indies camp, big-hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard has opted himself out from the T20Is against New Zealand citing personal reasons.

"Left-handed batsman Shimron Hetmyer will replace all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who is unavailable due to personal reasons," Cricket West Indies said in a statement.

"Left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell will replace pacer Ronsford Beaton, who has been forced to return home with a side strain."

However, despite New Zealand dominating the Tests and ODIs, coach Mike Hesson expected the West Indies to provide tough opposition in the Twenty20s, the format in which they are world champions.

"They're certainly an exciting batting line-up, some middle order players who've obviously done pretty well in the IPL and the likes of (Samuel) Badree coming to the T20 gives plenty of experience in that bowling group," Hesson said. 


Tim Southee will captain the New Zealand side in place of Kane Williamson who is being rested for the first game of the three-match series on Friday.

West Indies are yet to taste victory in the series as New Zealand first won the two-match Test series and then the three-match ODI series even when they had Chris Gayle back in the side.

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 28 Dec, 2017

    Share Via