Jimmy Neesham will be returning home early to be with his wife for the birth of their first child.
Neesham was due to join the New Zealand cricket team for their T20 series against England, but he has decided to return home early to be with his wife, Alex.
The couple are expecting their first child in the coming weeks, and Neesham said that he wanted to be there for the birth.
“The birth of a child is a special time, and I want to be there for Alex and our family,” Neesham said.
“I’m really disappointed to be missing the T20 series against England, but I know that the BLACKCAPS have a strong squad and they’ll do well.”
Neesham’s place in the squad will be taken by Canterbury all-rounder Cole McConchie. McConchie has impressed the BLACKCAPS selectors this year, and he offers the team a number of options with both bat and ball.
The first T20I against England will be played on Wednesday, August 30 at Riverside, Chester-le-Street.
New Zealand Squad against England in T20Is
Tim Southee (c)
Finn Allen
Mark Chapman
Devon Conway
Lockie Ferguson
Matt Henry
Kyle Jamieson
Cole McConchie
Adam Milne
Daryl Mitchell
Glenn Phillips
Rachin Ravindra
Mitchell Santner
Tim Seifert
Ish Sodhi
