India vs New Zealand: Todd Astle likely to miss ODIs due to groin strain

India vs New Zealand: Todd Astle likely to miss ODIs due to groin strain

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All-rounder Todd Astle might get ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against India as he sustained an injury during a warm-up game and is suffering from a groin strain now. Astle was picked ahead of fellow legspinner Ish Sodhi and it is likely that Sodhi might replace him if he gets ruled out.

New Zealand all-rounder Todd Astle sustained a groin strain in the warm-up game against BCCI Board President's XI at the Brabourne stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday and there is a high possibility of him being ruled out of upcoming the India vs New Zealand ODI series. After bowling three deliveries in his very first over, the legspinner picked up the injury. The New Zealand captain Kane Williamson completed the remaining over. 

Later, Kiwi team spokesperson stated that the backroom staff will further assess Astle's injury before deciding his participation in the series.

The 31-year-old also participated in the just-concluded One-day series between India A and New Zealand A and was seen to be in a good form, picking up six wickets at 27.83. Owing to his fine performances in the five-match series, he managed to get a spot in the New Zealand ODI squad prior to Sodhi. So far, Astle has played only two Tests and two T20Is for the Blackcaps.

"Nine overs, four for 22 against very good opposition [against India A in Vishakapatnam] with a damp-ish ball that was hard to control. He didn't bowl a bad ball in that spell. The one and only Rahul Dravid said to me he told his team that he'd just witnessed one of the best leg spin displays in Indian conditions. That's some accolade," said the New Zealand selector, Gavin Larsen, reported Cricbuzz.  

Moreover, Sodhi, most probably, will be replacing Astle if he gets ruled out of the ODI series. Sodhi has been selected as cover in the ODI squad and also has been included for the consequent T20I rubber against India.

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