Joe Denly Ruled Out Of First T20I Against New Zealand

Injuries are a part and parcel of the game but the timing of the injury is what hurts the most. Currently, Joe Denly is dealing with the same pain, as he picked up Ankle Injury ahead of the first T20I game at Christchurch. Subsequently, he was ruled out of the game, as the injury will take time to heal.

Certainly, this is a massive blow for the youngsters, as he is looking to settle his position in the team with the limited opportunities he gets at this level. The incident took place when he twisted his ankle while taking an outfield catch. Eventually, he walked back limping towards the physio.

Lewis Gregory might replace Joe Denly:

Now, his position will get to one of Somerset debutants. It will be either opening batsman Tom Banton or all-rounder, Lewis Gregory, with Gregory favourite to win his first international cap.

Gregory could be the player who stands to benefit the most from this series. While the other uncapped members of England’s squad – Tom Banton, Pat Brown, Sam Curran, Saqib Mahmood and Matt Parkinson – are all aged 22 or below. Gregory received call-ups across the formats but yet to play one single game.

The skipper Eoin Morgan already confirmed that Sam Curran and Pat Brown will be making their debuts in the first game. Now, with Joe Denly being out, it would be Lewis Gregory, who is going to make it into the side. Thus, there will be three debutants for England at Christchurch.

England and New Zealand locking horns for the first time since their epic encounter in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on Friday. The first of five T20Is takes place at the Hagley Oval with both sides looking to build towards next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.

While England’s roster has a number of youngsters in it, New Zealand has a balanced side which gives them the favourites tag for this game. Both sides are evenly matched on paper with the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Martin Guptill taking it to the field on Friday.