Christchurch, 09 October (H.S.): New Zealand batter Mark Chapman and all-rounder Jacob Faulks have been ruled out of the upcoming five-match home T20 International series against India due to injuries, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Friday, October 9.

Chapman sustained an injury to his left thigh muscle during the European T20 Premier League last month. He is expected to recover in time for the subsequent ODI series against India. Faulks, meanwhile, injured a muscle in his right hip during a recent training session in Canterbury. His return-to-play timeline has not yet been determined.

New Zealand have named all-rounder Josh Clarkson as Chapman’s replacement and fast bowler Blair Tickner in place of Faulks in the T20I squad.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries and wished both players a speedy recovery.

“I am really disappointed that Mark and Jacob have suffered injuries. I wish them both a speedy and smooth recovery,” Walter said.

He added, “We are fortunate to have the experience of Josh and Blair available to us. I know both players are extremely excited to be part of this series. It promises to be a fantastic T20 series.”

The five-match T20 International series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin on October 22, with the opening match set to be played in Christchurch.

New Zealand squad for the T20I series against India: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar