Mount Maunganui, Oct 1: New Zealand all rounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the three match T20I series against Australia after sustaining a facial injury during a fielding drill at Bay Oval on Tuesday. The Black Caps confirmed that Jimmy Neesham has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.
Ravindra collided with a boundary hoarding and suffered a deep laceration to his upper lip and nose, requiring specialist stitches.
“We’re all really disappointed for Rachin to be forced to miss the series. His health and wellbeing is our top priority, so the decision was made to send him home to recover with an eye to the England series in two weeks’ time,” New Zealand coach Rob Walter said.
This is Ravindra’s second facial injury in 2025. Earlier this year, he was struck on the forehead while attempting a catch during a tri-series in Lahore, ruling him out of the tournament and New Zealand’s opening Champions Trophy match against Pakistan.
Neesham, who has featured in 84 T20Is, linked up with the squad in Tauranga. Walter said his inclusion adds valuable depth:
“We’re fortunate to call on Jimmy. His experience and all round capabilities will be crucial as we take on Australia in the Chappell-Hadlee series.”
New Zealand Squad vs Australia: Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.