PAK v NZ 2018: Corey Anderson ruled out, Todd Astle doubtful for the ODIs

The three-match ODI series kickstarts with the first game at Abu Dhabi on November 7.

Anderson only recently made a return to the national squad | Getty

All-rounder Corey Anderson has been ruled out of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan due to a heel injury, while legspinner Todd Astle remains a doubtful starter for the first ODI at Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, November 7 owing to a knee problem. 

In the development confirmed by the visiting camp, Anderson didn't feature in the third and final T20I because of the same injury and will now be flying back home to identify medical options for the same ahead of the long home season, where New Zealand also plays against India for 5 ODIS and 3 T20Is in January 2019. Also, Astle, 32, will be assessed and most probably won't be featuring in the first ODI. 

"It's a wait and see how Todd scrubs up tomorrow and we'll have more of an idea whether he's a chance for the second and third ODIs. If the answer is no it's probably going to rule him out for the Tests as well," New Zealand coach Gary Stead informed, "With the rest he's had so far and the recovery showing it's not going to improve then he won't be able to get the loads that we need a frontline spinner to get through."

Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who made his T20I debut on the tour, has already been added to the ODI squad as cover for Astle. 

Stead confirmed, "It does present another opportunity for Ajaz. He's impressed us during the UAE tour so far and we have full confidence he can do a job for this team in the 50-over format." 

Having lost the T20I series, 3-0, New Zealand will be boosted by the return and presence of Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls and BJ Watling. 

New Zealand ODI squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Colin Munro, George Worker, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Ajaz Patel, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

(Inputs from Cricket Next)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 06 Nov, 2018

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