NZ spinner Sodhi to replace Astle for India tour

Ish Sodhi ()

Wellington, Oct 19 (IANS) Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi will replace injured Todd Astle for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) series against India, the New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday.

"Astle suffered injury in a warm-up game between the Blackcaps and a President Board's XI in Mumbai on Tuesday. Further assessment and a scan confirmed Astle to have suffered a tear on his right side, which will see him ruled out for around three weeks," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement. 

The 31-year-old was on top of his game in the recently concluded one-day series between India A and New Zealand A, picking up six scalps at an average of 27.83. 

The Blackcaps coach Mike Hesson said it was cruel timing for Astle.

"Todd was really impressive in the recent New Zealand A tour over here and had done everything he possibly could to get himself ready for this series," said Hesson. 

"He deserved this opportunity and everyone in the team is certainly feeling for Todd. He'll return to New Zealand and get himself ready for a big summer," he added. 

New Zealand will play India in three ODI and similar number of T20Is in the series scheduled to begin from October 22. 

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IANS