IMAGE: Fast bowler Adam Milne injured his hamstring in the recent home series against India. Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
New Zealand pacemaker Adam Milne pulled out of the whiteball tour of India and Pakistan on Monday due to lack of preparation.
Milne finished the recent home series against India with a tight hamstring, followed by a delayed return to the Wellington Firebirds, missing two Ford Trophy games in December.
Despite playing the first two games of the Super Smash season with the Firebirds, the prospect of six ODIs in 16 days in Pakistan and India was considered too risky.
Therefore, by mutual agreement, it was decided to replace Milne with Central Stags pace bowler Blair Tickner.
New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said the decision was not an easy one.
Larsen said in a New Zealand Cricket statement: “Adam has been very candid with us regarding his concerns about not being able to load a full day of bowling for the upcoming tour.
“After speaking with him, we agreed that his preparations for the tour were not sufficient to meet the demands of a three-game streak of the ODI series.
“I appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down.”
Milne will continue to play for the Wellington Firebirds for the rest of his home season.
Larsen said Tickner, who has six ODIs to his name, is an off-the-shelf replacement.
“Blair’s middle bowling skills and ability to hit the pitch hard give him perspectives similar to those Adam offered us.
“The fact that he’s already in Pakistan and has been through this situation is an added bonus.”
ODI players leave New Zealand for Pakistan on 4 January. India His series, consisting of three of his ODIs and an equal number of his T20s, will start on January 18th.