Veteran New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has been ruled out of the 1st ODI against Bangladesh owing to a small tear in his left hamstring. The first of the three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Bangladesh is on March 20 (Saturday) at the University Oval in Dunedin.
Incidentally, Ross Taylor picked up the injury while fielding during the Plunket Shield game between Central Stags and Wellington Firebirds on Sunday. The senior batsman, who will assemble with the rest of the squad in Dunedin on Wednesday (March 17), will stay with the team while undergoing treatment and monitoring of his injury.
Ross Taylor to miss first ODI against Bangladesh
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead while reacting to missing Ross Taylor in the opening tie stated that it is a shame for the senior batsman to cop up an injury on the eve of the series and miss out on the opening game. However, he is confident that some rest and rehabilitation will make Ross Taylor fit for the 2nd game of the series.
“It’s a shame for Ross to have this happen on the eve of a series,” Stead said. “It’s a small tear and we’re hopeful after some rest and rehabilitation we can get him fit for the second game in Christchurch,” he added.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Mark Chapman has been included in the squad as cover for Taylor. He recently featured in the T20Is against Australia but failed to make a mark. This will be a great opportunity for the 26-year-old to leave an impression. Gary Stead believes it will be a good opportunity for Chapman to showcase his talent in the 50-overs format.
“It’s an exciting time for Mark who’s come in and performed well recently for the T20 side, so we have full confidence he can do the job if called upon,” Gary Stead added.
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The second game will be held at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 23 while the third and final ODI is scheduled on March 26 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. This will be New Zealand’s first series in the ICC World Cup Super League.
