NZ vs AUS | Rachin Ravindra to miss T20I series after injuring face during fielding session

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Rachin Ravindra is expected to miss New Zealand’s three-match T20I series against Australia in Mount Maunganui after injuring his face during practice. The all-rounder hit the boundary boards while fielding ahead of the first game at Bay Oval and will now be replaced by James Neesham.

Rachin Ravindra suffered an unfortunate injury on Tuesday that ruled him out of New Zealand’s three-match T20I series against Australia. The all-rounder hit his face against the boundary boards during fielding practice at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui ahead of the first game.

Ravindra suffered major lacerations to his face, and though he passed an initial concussion test, his face will need significant stitching. The all-rounder was in good form in T20Is this year with a tally of 212 runs from five games, averaging 42.40 and striking at 164.34. He will now be replaced by James Neesham, who was part of the Kiwi side in the tri-series in Zimbabwe.

"We're all really disappointed for Rachin to be forced to miss the series," head coach Rob Walter said. “He sustained a major laceration to his upper lip and nose area, which required specialist and intricate stitching and will take time to heal.

"Rachin is obviously an important player for us, but his health and well-being is our top priority, and so the decision was made to send him home to recover with an eye to being available for the England series in two weeks' time."

Ravindra is the latest entrant to a long list of New Zealand players to miss out on the Australia series. Regular captain Mitchell Santner was ruled out earlier with an abdominal injury, while Will O’Rourke is nursing a back injury. Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen, Adam Milne, and Lockie Ferguson also miss out on the crucial series as the Black Caps prepare for the T20 World Cup.

Australia started the T20I series with a dominant six-wicket win on Wednesday, with the next two games scheduled to start on October 3rd and 4th, at the same venue.