Colin de Grandhomme has been added to the New Zealand A squad as a replacement for Sean Solia, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Thursday (October 5).
Left-handed batsman Solia has been ruled out after he suffered a hamstring injury while training. NZC, in a press conference, confirmed that the damage is not a serious one but was enough to rule the batsman out of action for two weeks and all five scheduled One Day games against India A.
Gavin Larsen, New Zealand A Manager and national selector, confirmed the news and expressed his disappointment over the injury.
“We’re really disappointed for Sean that he won’t get the opportunity on this occasion to test himself at a higher level. Sean is an exciting player and we were looking forward to seeing him get the chance to step up. To be ruled out just before the start of the series is very unlucky,” Larsen was quoted in a statement released by New Zealand cricket.
Meanwhile, de Grandhomme, who is also named in the senior squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India later this month, will join the ‘A’ side in Visakhapatnam and is likely to be available for the final two One Day matches which will be played on October 13 and 15 respectively.
After the dismal show in the two unofficial Test series, New Zealand A will be hoping for a change in fortunes with de Grandhomme’s addition. The all-rounder has a good experience of playing in the Indian conditions due to his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in this year’s Indian Premier League where he played 12 matches, scoring 126 runs, also, picking up four wickets.
Glenn Phillips has also joined the squad after replacing Jeet Raval following the two unofficial Tests. The five-match series will start on Friday (October 6). After that, the senior New Zealand side will take on India in three ODIs and as many T20Is.