ZCZC
BSP-04
CRICKET-NZL-IND-GUPTILL
Guptill out of New Zealand side for India T20 series
WELLINGTON, Feb 4, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Martin Guptill was Monday ruled out of
the New Zealand side for the Twenty20 series against India after failing to
recover from a back injury.
Coach Gary Stead said Guptill failed a fitness test but he remained
hopeful the big-hitting opener would recover in time for the one-day
international series against Bangladesh starting next week.
“Unfortunately Martin hasn’t recovered in time for this Twenty20 series
which is very condensed with three games over five days,” Stead said.
“It’s a shame as he’s obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but
we’ve got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right.”
Guptill was injured before Sunday’s fifth ODI against India in Wellington
which the tourists won by 35 runs to wrap up the series 4-1.
He has been replaced by Jimmy Neesham for the three-game Twenty20 series,
which starts in Wellington on Wednesday.
The New Zealand squad includes newcomer Daryl Mitchell, a son of former
rugby player and one-time All Blacks coach John Mitchell, who is now an
England assistant coach.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Doug Bracewell, Colin de
Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro,
Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross
Taylor.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1017 hrs