Injured Mills in doubt for World Cup

New Zealand

Fast bowler Kyle Mills will play no further part in the rest of New Zealand's tour of the UAE against Pakistan, which still has three One-day Internationals remaining.

Mills suffered a groin injury in training before Friday's second ODI in Sharjah, which New Zealand won to level the series at 1-1 before the next match on Sunday.

With the 167 ODI-capped Mills returning home, it leaves his participation for the World Cup, starting in February next year, in doubt. No timeline has been given for his comeback.

It leaves the Black Caps short of experience on the current tour, as senior fast bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee have been rested in preparation for the World Cup, which New Zealand will be co-hosting with Australia.

No replacement has been called up for Mills in the squad, but left-arm quick Mitchell McClenaghan came into the side in for the second ODI.

McClenaghan is now New Zealand's most experienced pace bowler on tour with 25 ODI's to his name. Matt Henry is 22 years old and only has three caps, while fellow 22 year old Adam Milne has nine caps.

Milne though, has that express pace that can trouble batsmen at this level and has put his up for a regular starting berth in the UAE and more importantly the World cup, where the pitches will be of more assistance.

New Zealand bowling coach, Shane Bond is excited to see how Milne develops over the next few months and feels that bowlers' with that extra bit of pace can be the difference.

He said: "When you look at our pitches, and they certainly have pace and bounce in them, it can make life difficult when you've got a guy bowling with pace and accuracy at the chest area.

"I certainly think he adds a point of difference. I'm probably biased because I bowled in that category myself and getting to sit here and see Adam bowl live … it's genuinely fast."

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