Key Kiwi to miss Pakistan ODI series after training injury

Tom Latham has been ruled out of the ODI series against Pakistan after suffering a fractured hand in practice.

Michael Bracewell will lead the side, with Henry Nicholls called up as Latham’s replacement. Rhys Mariu also comes in as cover, with Will Young also dropping out of the squad following the first match ahead of the birth of his second child.

Latham was set to captain the Black Caps, with full-time skipper Mitchell Santner on domestic T20 duty. He was struck on the right hand, with x-rays confirming the extent of the damage.

Mitch Hay takes the gloves for the side, and Bracewell, after leading the side in a T20I series win against the same opponent, earns an opportunity to take leadership experience to the longer white-ball format.

Despite a number of players already unavailable, New Zealand coach Gary Stead sees the positives.

"We've had to be flexible this tour with numerous players unavailable for different reasons," Stead said.

"What it does do is offer opportunities to others players and it's nice to introduce Rhys (Mariu) into the environment for the first time, as well as welcome back Henry (Nicholls).

"Henry's been in good form since returning from his three-month injury lay-off and he'll add valuable skills and experience to the team.

"It's obviously disappointing to lose Tom as captain on the eve of the series and we wish him a speedy recovery.

“The side is in safe hands with Michael who's done a great job through the T20I series.”

The three match ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan begins on Saturday in Napier.