New Zealand experienced a loss before the T20 World Cup because Adam Milne their fast bowler received a hamstring injury. The New Zealand board confirmed the update on Friday and named 31-year-old Kyle Jamieson as his replacement. Milne had been playing for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 and got injured on Sunday January 18 while bowling.

 

Milne went for X-rays after he experienced hamstring pain which revealed severe damage. This forced the board and medical staff to take the call to pull him out of the global event. The news comes as a big disappointment because Milne had worked hard to make a comeback and he was showing good bowling form.

 

Milne’s Injury and Coach Walter’s Reaction

 

Milne participated in the SA20 campaign, showing excellent performance. He had played eight matches for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape and was expected to play an important role in New Zealand’s pace attack for the World Cup.

 

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed sadness over Milne’s misfortune. He said in a statement:

 

“We are all gutted for Adam. He had worked so hard to get himself ready for the tournament and was looking back to his best in his eight matches for the Eastern Cape Sunrisers.”

 

Walter further added:

 

“It is unfortunate timing for Adam and we wish him a speedy recovery. It is great that Kyle is already with us here in India. He is an integral member of our pace-bowling group and has hit the ground running on this tour.”

 

The coach also confirmed that New Zealand will announce a new travelling reserve for the tournament soon as Jamieson was originally named as the reserve.

 

Also Read | Easwaran’s Rare Run-Out Sparks Debate in Ranji Trophy

 

Jamieson Steps In and Schedule Ahead for New Zealand

 

Jamieson who is already part of New Zealand’s white-ball tour of India will now join the main squad for the World Cup. This makes his transition easier since he is already familiar with conditions and has been training with the group. Jamieson brings height bounce and good seam movement and is expected to strengthen the pace unit alongside Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson.

 

New Zealand will play one warm-up game against the USA on February 6 in Mumbai. Their first official T20 World Cup match is on Sunday February 8 against Afghanistan in Chennai. They will stay in Chennai for their next game against the UAE on February 10 before travelling to Ahmedabad to face South Africa on February 15.

 

New Zealand will play their final group match against Canada on February 17 in Chennai. The team will be eager to improve on their last-year performance where they failed to reach the Super Eight stage. They had finished third in Group C in 2024 after heavy defeats against Afghanistan and the Windies. The Black Caps will hope that the arrival of Jamieson and better planning helps them move past the league stage this time.