Sodhi replaces injured Astle in New Zealand's ODI squad

Leggie Ish Sodhi will replaced the injured Todd Astle in New Zealand’s squad for the three-match One-Day International series against India, commencing in Mumbai on October 22.

Astle, who sustained a groin injury during the first warm-up game against the Board President's XI on Tuesday, is ruled out of the entire ODI and T20 series. He bowled just three deliveries in that game.

"Further assessment and a scan confirmed Astle to have suffered a tear on his right side, which will see him ruled out for around three weeks," read a statement from New Zealand Cricket on Thursday.

Sodhi, who was originally only named in the Twenty20 squad, will replace Astle in the ODI side, it added.

The Ludhiana-born Sodhi has played 18 ODIs and picked 19 wickets since making his debut against Zimbabwe in 2015.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said it was cruel timing for Astle.

"Todd was really impressive in the recent New Zealand 'A' tour over here (India) and had done everything he possibly could to get himself ready for this series," said Hesson.

"He deserved this opportunity and everyone in the team is certainly feeling for Todd. He'll return to New Zealand and get himself ready for a big summer," he added.

The three matches of the ODI series will be played in Mumbai (October 22), Pune (October 25) and Kanpur (October 29).

IMAGE: Ish Sodhi

Photograph: Rogan Ward/Reuters