New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after suffering a torn left hamstring, dealing a blow to the Black Caps’ pace attack ahead of the tournament.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, scans revealed the injury was severe enough to sideline the 31-year-old for the entirety of the World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February to March. New Zealand has named fellow quick Kyle Jamieson as Milne’s replacement in the squad.
Milne sustained the injury while representing Sunrisers Eastern Cape in South Africa’s SA20 league on Sunday. He had featured in eight matches for the franchise and was said to be nearing peak fitness ahead of the global event.
Black Caps head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment at Milne’s setback.
“We’re all gutted for Adam,” Walter said. “He’d worked so hard to get himself ready for the tournament and was looking back to his best in his eight games for the Eastern Cape Sunrisers. It’s unfortunate timing for Adam, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Jamieson, who was originally named as the travelling reserve for the T20 World Cup, is currently with the New Zealand squad on their white-ball tour of India and will slot straight into the main group.
“It’s great that Kyle is already with us here in India,” Walter added. “He’s an integral member of our pace-bowling group and has hit the ground running on this tour. He’s a hard worker with a good set of skills and experiences that will hold him in good stead for the tournament.”
Walter also confirmed that a replacement travelling reserve will be named in due course.
New Zealand begins its T20 World Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.
