Rachin Ravindra Out of T20I Series After Second Facial Injury

New Zealand cricket star Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the season-opening T20I series against Australia due to a second facial injury in just eight months. The 25-year-old all-rounder suffered a significant injury while fielding on Tuesday, colliding with a perimeter boundary hoarding during practice. This incident has resulted in a laceration to his upper lip and nose that requires intricate stitching and will necessitate time for recovery.

New Zealand Cricket confirmed the injury in a statement released on Wednesday, shortly before the first match of the three-match series at Bay Oval in Tauranga, scheduled for 19:15 local time. Rob Walter, the team’s head coach, emphasized that while Ravindra’s contributions are vital, the player’s health and wellbeing remain the top priority. “Rachin is obviously an important player for us, but his health and wellbeing is our top priority,” Walter stated. The decision was made to send Ravindra home to recuperate, with hopes of him being fit for the upcoming series against England.

The England tour, which features three T20Is and three ODIs, begins on October 18, 2023, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. In light of Ravindra’s injury, all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been called up as his replacement for the T20I series against Australia, where both teams will compete for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

Ravindra’s injury is not an isolated incident; in February, he misjudged a catch during a tri-series ODI against Pakistan in Lahore, resulting in a forehead laceration that also required stitches. Despite these setbacks, he made a remarkable comeback in the Champions Trophy later that month, scoring 112 against Bangladesh and contributing significantly in subsequent matches.

The absence of Ravindra adds to a growing list of key players missing from the Black Caps’ lineup due to injuries. Others sidelined include Mitchell Santner (abdominal surgery), Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring). Kane Williamson has also made himself unavailable for selection.

The Australian team has faced its own challenges, including the late withdrawal of star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who suffered a fractured forearm during practice. Maxwell was struck by a ball from teammate Mitch Owen while bowling in the nets. He has been replaced by Josh Philippe in the touring squad. Adding to their difficulties, Australia is already without premier bowlers Mitchell Starc, who has retired from T20Is, and Pat Cummins, who is sidelined with a back injury.

As the Black Caps prepare to face Australia in the T20I series, they will aim to navigate through these challenges while keeping their focus on the game ahead.