Wellington, March 27, 2025: New Zealand’s Tom Latham has been ruled out of the ODI series against Pakistan after fracturing his right hand during a training session.
With regular captain Mitchell Santner unavailable due to domestic T20 commitments, Michael Bracewell will continue leading the team following the T20I series. Henry Nicholls has been called up to replace Latham, while uncapped batter Rhys Mariu joins the squad as cover.
Bracewell will now lead the Black Caps in the ODIs, gaining valuable experience in the longer white-ball format. Mitch Hay is set to take over wicketkeeping duties. Meanwhile, Will Young will withdraw after the first ODI to be with his family for the birth of his second child.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the challenge of squad changes but remained positive.
“We’ve had to be flexible on this tour with numerous players unavailable,” Stead said. “But it also creates opportunities, and it’s great to introduce Rhys (Mariu) for the first time and welcome back Henry (Nicholls).”
The three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan begins Saturday in Napier.