Ronchi ruled out, Blundell called up

Luke Ronchi has been ruled out of New Zealand`s final T20 international against Bangladesh on Sunday, after suffering a tear to his right adductor during his side`s 47-run win on Friday. Tom Blundell, the uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman from Wellington, will replace Ronchi in the squad.

Ronchi sustained the groin injury during the eighth over of Bangladesh`s chase, and left the field with Tom Bruce taking over the wicketkeeping gloves. The full extent of Ronchi`s injury will be determined after he undergoes scans, but he is likely to be out of action for four to six weeks.

The 26-year old Blundell, who is currently engaged with Wellington in the 2016-17 Super Smash, will join the squad after the tournament final that will take place on Saturday in New Plymouth. "Tom, along with George Worker, will play in the grand final before linking up with us after the game tomorrow night. They`ll both be eligible for Sunday`s third and final T20," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said.

"Tom Bruce filled in admirably with the gloves today and could be an option for us behind the stumps going forward."

Blundell has been among Wellington`s top-scorers in the Super Smash with 243 runs at an average and strike rate of 34.71 and 135 respectively. His unbeaten 69 helped Wellington ace a chase of 176 against Northern Districts last week.

New Zealand have already wrapped up the three-T20I series with a 47-run victory.

Source : ESPNcricinfo