LINCOLN, New Zealand, CMC – West Indies will have one less worry in their three-day tour match starting here Saturday, after fast bowler Adam Milne was forced out of the New Zealand A squad through injury. The 25-year-old has struggled with lower back stiffness throughout the week and selectors opted to withdraw him as a precaution.
Milne has been replaced by veteran Wellington seamer Hamish Bennett for the contest set for the Bert Sutcliffe Oval.
“Adam has still been bowling, but we thought there was an element of risk to him playing in the three-day match and with a big summer ahead we didn’t want to take any chances,” said selector Gavin Larsen. “Hamish has been very impressive in the Plunket Shield so far this season and deserves his opportunity.
“We’re hopeful Adam will be back for the opening round of the Ford Trophy next week.” Milne was expected to form part of an attacking pace trio for the tour game against the Windies, lining up alongside the likes of Scott Kuggeleijn and Lockie Ferguson.
New Zealand A have been struck with misfortune as captain Martin Guptill and batsman Colin Munro were both ruled out of the squad on Wednesday because of injury and illness. Tom Latham was drafted in to skipper the side while James Neesham has come in for Munro.
