New Zealand Adjusts ODI Squad Ahead of Third Match Against India

New Zealand Cricket has announced further changes to its One Day International (ODI) squad as the team braces for the third match against India, set to take place on November 10, 2026. The adjustments come amid ongoing injury issues that have plagued the side during the series.

Fast bowler Kristian Clarke has been summoned to replace Blair Tickner, who is currently facing uncertainty regarding his availability after being struck by a ball while batting during the second ODI. Although Tickner has been cleared of concussion, he must complete a mandatory seven-day stand-down period before he is eligible to return to international play.

Lockie Ferguson, another prominent bowler, has been ruled out for the remainder of the series. He has not fully recovered from a low-grade tear in his right calf, an injury he sustained during the preceding T20I series against India. Ferguson's absence adds to the mounting concerns for New Zealand's bowling attack.

In a further development, Matt Henry, who suffered a head injury after colliding with teammate Devon Conway, is now targeting a return for the fourth ODI. Initially cleared of concussion, Henry was reassessed in Wellington, which led to the decision to keep him with the ODI squad.

The team’s altered strategies reflect the need for immediate adaptation, as Ferguson's condition and Tickner's participation remain under review. To compensate, New Zealand has indicated it will likely add two more players to the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs.

Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the New Zealand side in the upcoming matches. The captain will have support from a revised bowling unit for the third ODI, featuring Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, along with wicketkeeping options from Tim Seifert and Tom Latham.

New Zealand's updated squad for the third ODI includes:

• Mitchell Santner (captain)
• Michael Bracewell
• Kristian Clarke
• Jacob Duffy
• Matt Fisher
• Kyle Jamieson
• Nick Kelly
• Tom Latham (wicketkeeper)
• Daryl Mitchell
• Henry Nicholls
• Glenn Phillips
• Tim Seifert
• Nathan Smith
• Will Young.

The following squad is named for the fourth ODI:

• Mitchell Santner (captain)
• Finn Allen
• Michael Bracewell
• Kristian Clarke
• Jacob Duffy
• Matt Fisher
• Dean Foxcroft
• Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper)
• Matt Henry
• Kyle Jamieson
• Nick Kelly
• Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper)
• Will Young.

Amid these challenges, five players are set to depart the ODI squad to prepare for the upcoming Test series against India. Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, and Nathan Smith will transition to Wellington in anticipation of the Test matches. The announcement of New Zealand’s Test squad is expected in the coming days.