New Zealand A have made several changes to their squad for the final red-ball match against India A after three bowlers were ruled out due to injuries.
Auckland Aces bowlers Simon Keene and Ben Lister, along with Canterbury bowler Fraser Sheat, will miss the final four-day encounter.
Keene sustained a grade two tear in his left hamstring, while Sheat suffered a left-side injury during the previous New Zealand A matches. Both players are expected to return to action for their respective domestic teams within the next three to four weeks.
Lister, meanwhile, is following a return-to-play programme after sustaining a right-side strain during training with Auckland.
Central Stags bowler Brett Randell and Northern Districts bowler Zak Gibson will remain with the squad for the third match, while Otago Volts bowler Danru Ferns has been added to the team.
Wellington batter Tim Robinson will also continue with New Zealand A, with Henry Nicholls joining the BLACKCAPS ODI squad.
Reacting to the injury setbacks, Larsen expressed disappointment over the players' absence.
“It’s always disappointing to see any player out injured, but unfortunately it’s part and parcel of any sport,” said Larsen.
“Simon and Fraser were impressive with the ball against a very good Indian side with a Test quality batting lineup.
“Ben worked hard to be available for this third match but unfortunately requires more time.
“We hope they all recover well and are back on the park soon.”
Larsen also highlighted the importance of the New Zealand A programme in developing players and preparing them for international cricket.
“We’ve seen several stand-out performances across the matches to date, which is encouraging.
“The two matches to date have been great games of cricket that have truly tested our players against extremely strong opposition.
“It’s a reminder how valuable the A programme is in terms of preparing players for international cricket and offering them regular playing opportunities at a level above domestic cricket.”
The final four-day match between New Zealand A and India A begins tomorrow at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University.
Updated New Zealand A squad – Third match
- Adi Ashok
- Matt Boyle
- Max Chu (WK)
- Danru Ferns
- Dean Foxcroft
- Zak Gibson
- Curtis Heaphy
- Rhys Mariu
- Jarrod McKay
- Cam Paul
- Dale Phillips
- Brett Randell
- Tim Robinson
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