India ODIs: Uphill task for NZ without Boult, Southee

HYDERABAD: Experienced pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult's absence leaves a "massive hole" in the New Zealand squad, but also provides a chance to fringe players to step up during the India tour, says stand-in-captain Tom Latham. While Southee has gone back home after a successful tour of Pakistan, Boult is playing the ILT20 in the UAE, having opted out of a New Zealand central contract. In the batting department, the Kiwis will miss the services of regular skipper Kane Williamson. "They (Boult, Southee, Williamson) are not in the side and that leaves a massive hole for us. On the other hand, it presents an opportunity for other guys who have been around the squad. Everyone has played international cricket in the squad which is a bonus," added Latham during the pre-match press conference.

"It is their turn to step up. Lucky we have Lockie Ferguson, who has played a lot of cricket in India."

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