ENG vs NZ: Big Blow To New Zealand! Adam Milne Ruled Out Of England ODIs; Ben Lister Named Replacement

In a massive blow to the New Zealand National Cricket Team, the 31-year-old right-arm quick Adam Milne has been ruled out of the ongoing four-match ODI series against the England National Cricket Team.

The pacer sustained a low-grade hamstring injury ahead of the first ODI and has been replaced by Ben Lister in the squad. Adam Milne will continue to remain in England for his rehabilitation and following that he will travel with the BlackCaps to Bangladesh for an ODI series.

This is not the first time that the pacer has suffered a hamstring injury as earlier this year he had missed the series against India and Pakistan due to the same problem.

“Milne suffered hamstring tightness at training in Cardiff before yesterday’s opening ODI and a subsequent scan revealed he would need a period of rehabilitation,” said a statement from New Zealand Cricket.

Meanwhile, New Zealand won the first ODI against England by 8 wickets with 26 balls remaining as Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell smashed sensational tons.

Gary Stead Speaks About Adam Milne’s Replacement

Speaking about Ben Lister, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said that the pacer was playing county cricket in England and they drafted him into the squad as he was able to join the team on short notice.

“We have short turnarounds between these matches and want to try and look after the players as much as possible with the upcoming schedule,” head coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying.

“With Ben already here in England it meant we could have him join the squad at short notice without the recovery time of a bowler joining from New Zealand mid-series.

“Ben impressed us in the UAE and warm-up matches in England and will continue to learn being around some senior players in the touring group,” added Stead.