Seth Rance replaces injured Milne

Fast bowler Seth Rance has been named replacement for Adam Milne, who injured his foot and is ruled out of the ODI series and the upcoming T20s against West Indies. Milne felt discomfort in his left foot while landing to bowl and will continue to be evaluated, a New Zealand Cricket release said.

Milne did not play in the first ODI that New Zealand won by five wickets but would have had a chance for the remainder of the series for which Tim Southee has been rested.

Rance, Milne’s team-mate from Central Districts, has played two ODIs, both this year. He ended with figures of 1 for 44 on his international debut against Ireland, but went wicketless in his second match against Bangladesh. He is yet to play T20 internationals but could make his debut soon as New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said Rance was already being looked at for the upcoming T20 series.

“Seth comes into the squad off the back of consistently strong domestic performances,” Larsen said. “We were already looking at Seth for the upcoming Twenty20 series, so this just brings him into the squad slightly earlier than anticipated.

“Adam has a great work ethic and puts a lot into his fitness, so I certainly feel for him with this injury. It’s a long summer and there’s a lot of cricket left for Adam to play, so we’ll work with him to get him back to full fitness.”

Rance picked two wickets in the two domestic T20s (Super Smash) he played this season, but impressed much more in the Plunket Shield. He collected 12 wickets in the three first-class matches at an average of 20.08.

Apart from Milne, New Zealand will also be without Kane Williamson and Southee, who were rested for the second and third ODIs that will be played in Christchurch.