New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is set to miss out on the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan after suffering a foot injury during the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Nelson.
Southee limped out of the ODI and went in for scans, which revealed a bruise on the bone of his left foot that may even rule him out of the Chappell-Hadlee series. He is certain to miss five T20 games, starting with the two T20s against Sri Lanka, which begin on Thursday.
A New Zealand Cricket release confirmed that Matt Henry, who replaced Southee in the ODI squad, will stand in for the injured pacer in T20s as well. Coach Mike Hesson said the fast bowler picked up the injury in the opening over of the game at Saxton Oval.
"Tim was feeling really fresh after coming back from a break for the first two ODIs, so it's certainly disappointing for him that this has happened now," Mike Hesson said. "Tim's obviously a key member of our team and been a strong performer for us in all three formats, so he's a big loss.
"We haven't set a date for his return at this point, but will continue to monitor him and work to get him back to full fitness as quickly as possible.”
The third match in which Southee injured himself was also his first ODI since June 2015, as he was rested for the limited-overs tour to Africa, where they played Zimbabwe and South Africa in August. He also suffered from an irritated disc that kept him out of the first Test against Australia but played the subsequent two Tests in Perth and the historic day-night Test in Adelaide.
Southee also didn't play the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka as he was rested, but his replacement Henry went on to pick up consecutive four-wicket hauls as the Kiwis cruised to victory.
Even in the final ODI, which Southee missed, his replacement Matt Henry continued his good form as he picked up five wickets and the Man of the Match award as New Zealand sealed a 3-1 series win over Sri Lanka.
With limited-overs series against Pakistan following the T20 series against Sri Lanka, the Kiwis will be hoping that Henry continues his good form and ensures Southee isn’t missed.
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