Tom Blundell ruled out of Pakistan ODIs; Daryl Mitchell to replace him from second ODI

New Zealand's wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. He sustained a left-quad strain injury during the fourth T20I against Bangladesh earlier this month and will now sit out of the Pakistan ODIs. However, the Kiwis are hopeful that he will get fit for the subsequent T20I series.

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Daryl Mitchell will replace Blundell in the ODI squad but he will only be available from the second game. Mitchell is part of the T20I squad and is currently serving mandatory quarantine period before joining the team. New Zealand physio Nishil Shah threw light on Blundell's injury stating that his recovery is not where the medical team expected.

"Tom's been working hard since the injury in Bangladesh. The injury's not quite where we want it so we think it's best for him to concentrate on his rehab given the big summer of cricket ahead," he said according to ESPNCricinfo.

New Zealand's coach for the tour, Glenn Pocknall also felt sad for Blundell but is hopeful that the latter will be available for selection in the T20I series. Pocknall is also chuffed to have Mitchell in the squad who scored a magnificent ton in his last ODI against Bangladesh earlier this year at home.

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"Obviously everyone is gutted for Tom, he's a quality player with a diverse skill-set. He'll remain with the squad and we're hopeful he'll be available again for the T20I series. We're fortunate to have someone of Daryl's quality to join us early for the ODIs. He's shown last summer what a destructive batsman he is, while also offering another useful bowling option.

"With Tom out, we do lose our first choice back-up wicketkeeping option. However there are several guys in the squad with keeping experience and we'll ensure they do the necessary work at training to be up to speed if called upon," Pocknall said.