Fast bowler Adam Milne has withdrawn from the Blackcaps squads for the upcoming Twenty20 and one-day internationals against Pakistan and India, due to concerns over his lack of preparation.
Milne is working his way back from a hamstring injury suffered during the home series against India in November, which forced him out of Wellington's two Plunket Shield four-day matches in December.
He returned for the opening two games of the Super Smash T20 competition, but the prospect of tackling the hectic subcontinent schedule - which includes six ODIs in 16 days - was deemed too risky.
Milne will be replaced by Blair Tickner, who is already in Pakistan as part of the test squad.
Selector Gavin Larsen said they appreciated Milne's honesty over his conditioning worries.
"Adam was very up front with us about his concerns around the lack of one-day bowling loading for the upcoming tours," Larsen said.
"After chatting to him, we agreed his preparation leading into the tour wouldn’t be sufficient for him to cope with the demands of back-to-back, three-game ODI series.
"We appreciate his honesty and his genuine desire not to let the team down."
Milne will play for the Firebirds through the rest of their Super Smash campaign.
The Blackcaps ODI squad departs for Pakistan on January 4, with the first game of the series scheduled for January 9.
