New Zealand spinner Todd Astle injured during the warm up match

New Zealand’s away series against India is yet to start but the Kiwis have suffered their first blow in the face of leg-spinner Todd Astle. The promising spinner is likely to miss the 3-match ODI series due to groin injury. Astle got injured during New Zealand’s warm-up match against Board President’s XI at the Bourbourne Stadium. The leggie bowled just three deliveries before going off.

According to Cricbuzz, New Zealand’s spokesperson said that Astle’s injury would be monitored and his participation will be decided in due time. The 31-year old spinner got a nod ahead of Ish Sodhi after troubling the India A batsmen while playing for New Zealand A during the ODI series, which concluded recently. Astle scalped 6 wickets at an impressive average of 27. 83.

New Zealand hit back after a solid start from Rahul and Shaw

Sodhi is likely to replace Astle for the limited overs series. Sodhi was picked for the T20I series which will be played after the ODI series and he has been with the Kiwi squad as a cover. The Board President’s XI started off on a good note with both the openers scoring their respective fifties. But the visitors made a strong comeback and got both the set batsmen out in quick succession. KL Rahul was dismissed for 68 while Prithvi Shaw scored 66.  The Board President’s XI could manage 295/9 at the end of their 50 overs.

Speaking on Astle’s selection, Gavin Larsen said, “Nine overs, four for 22 against very good opposition [against India A in Vishakapatnam] with a damp-ish ball that was hard to control. He didn’t bowl a bad ball in that spell. The one and only Rahul Dravid said to me he told his team that he’d just witnessed one of the best legspin displays in Indian conditions. That’s some accolade.”