Ross Taylor ruled out of first ODI against Bangladesh

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has been ruled out of the first ODI against Bangladesh due to "a small tear in his left hamstring". All-rounder Mark Chapman has come in as the cover for Taylor. 

The right-handed batsman picked up the injury while fielding in a Plunket Shield match between Central Stags and Wellington Firebirds. 

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his disappointment about the same. “It’s a shame for Ross to have this happen on the eve of a series," Stead said. "It's a small tear and we're hopeful after some rest and rehabilitation we can get him fit for the second game in Christchurch.”

"It's an exciting time for Mark who's come in and performed well recently for the T20 side, so we have full confidence he can do the job if called upon."

The ODI series is slated to begin on Saturday in Dunedin. The second ODI will take place on March 23 in Christchurch while the third and final match will be played on March 26 in Wellington. The ODI series will be followed by three-match T20I. 

Earlier, skipper Kane Williamson was also ruled out of the ODI series after he had to rehabilitate from an elbow injury. "Kane's been managing the elbow injury to varying degrees this summer and unfortunately it hasn't improved," NZC medical manager Dayle Shackel said. 




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