An already injury hit New Zealand team has been further depleted by the injuries to fast bowler Kyle Mills and Ian Butler going into the 1st ODI at Abu Dhabi against Pakistan today. According to the New Zealand Skipper, Kyle Mills seems to have a side strain or a shoulder strain and is unlikely to play in today’s game. Butler continues to have trouble with his knee which he strained during the Champions League T20 in India while representing Otago.

The New Zealand pace attack is now left with just Shane Bond, Tim Southee along with the medium pace options of Oram, Styris and Franklin. Vettori has indicated that he might play two specialist spinners considering that the wicket might be on the slower side. Losing Mills will be a big blow for the Kiwis though because of his capabilities to swing the new ball and reverse swing the old ball. The Pakistani top order would certainly be less worried about one threat almost gone. They will have to face the chin music from Shane Bond though.

Tags: Abu Dhabi, Kyle Mills, New Zealand Cricket, Pakistan Vs New Zealand