In order to provide cover while fellow pace bowler Matt Henry awaits the results of a diagnostic on a hamstring issue, New Zealand has called Kyle Jamieson into their World Cup team.
Jamieson, who was previously in the Indian team to cover for Tim Southee, is scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru late on Thursday in time for the pool match against Pakistan on Saturday.
The Black Caps had to find cover, said to New Zealand coach Gary Stead, as fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was recovering from an Achilles injury and Henry was awaiting the results of a scan on his right hamstring.
They have two group games remaining and a place in the semi-finals still up for grabs.
“The severity of Matt’s injury, combined with a short turnaround to Pakistan, meant we couldn’t risk being a bowler down for Saturday,” Stead said on Thursday.
“Matt’s been a world-class performer for us in ODI cricket for the past two World Cup cycles so we’ve got our fingers crossed for the scan results later today,” he added.
Stead was confident it would not take long for the towering 28-year-old Jamieson, who has taken 14 wickets in 13 ODIs, to re-adjust to Indian conditions.
“Kyle’s on his way over as we speak and we look forward to welcoming him back into the group,” he said.
Stead added: “He’ll likely train with us on Friday with a mind to being available for Saturday’s game.”
