Milne took five wickets at an average of 39.80 during the World Cup

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand pace bowler Adam Milne will take no further part in this World Cup after he succumbed to a heel injury.

Milne, who underwent an MRI scan on Sunday, will be replaced by fellow seamer Matt Henry.

“Adam has been outstanding for us in that third seamer role throughout the tournament,” New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said. “It’s really disappointing for Adam but he’ll remain part of the squad, which is good, because he’s a good team man, as well, good fellow to have around.”

McCullum also revealed that Henry is likely to play in the Blackcaps’ semi-final match against South Africa on March 24.

“We probably need to have another look at the wicket tomorrow, look at the overhead conditions, as well, and try and factor all those things in,” McCullum said. “But I think you’ve seen the way we’ve operated with Adam in that third seamer role has worked quite well for us coming in after our two opening bowlers swinging the ball; the role that he’s been able to play has been very good.

“I think seven from seven is a testament to the strategy that we’ve rolled out. We’re very confident in every member of the squad that we have here, and if Matt gets brought into the squad officially, then we’re obviously confident in him, as well. We talked before the tournament, as well, about the guys that sat on the periphery of the squad and how they were unlucky to obviously miss out initially.

“Matt is one of those guys who now if he does get brought in, then he has the opportunity to come out there and perform, and we’ll back him immensely, just as the guys who have been sitting on the sidelines.”