Bairstow to replace Hales for India T20 series

NEW DELHI — Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow will replace injured opener Alex Hales in England’s squad for the three-match Twenty20 series against India, the English cricket board said on Saturday. Hales has been ruled out of the third and final One-Day International against India on Sunday after he fractured his right hand while attempting a catch in the second ODI in Cuttack. He will also miss the T20 series that starts on Jan. 26. “Jonathan Bairstow has replaced Alex Hales in England’s IT20 squad,” the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement Saturday. Hales was scheduled to consult a surgeon upon returning home on Saturday. The Eoin Morgan-led England team is trailing the ODI series 2-0 after India won the second one-dayer by 15 runs. The final ODI will take place in Kolkata on Sunday.

Blundell in Kiwi ODI squad to play Australia

Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell is the sole newcomer in the 14-man New Zealand squad announced Saturday for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia which starts next week. However, his inclusion in the playing XI was not guaranteed with New Zealand weighing up the option of using regular opener Tom Latham as the gloveman. Blundell’s only previous international experience was when he was rushed into the New Zealand side for the final Twenty20 match against Bangladesh two weeks ago when regular wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi was injured. “Having Tom Latham as an option gives the squad flexibility and allows us the chance to play an extra bowling option. He’s done it before for us,” selector Gavin Larsen said. Ross Taylor returns to the side after missing the limited over series against Bangladesh following eye surgery. Australia currently hold the One-Day International series trophy after beating New Zealand 3-0 in the series in Australia late last year. New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor. The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy ODIs are in Auckland on Jan. 30, Napier on Feb. 2 and Hamilton on Feb. 5. — AFP