West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels has been ruled out of the rest of the New Zealand tour with a wrist injury.
Coach Ottis Gibson says it’s a major setback for the team that’s just lost a Test series to New Zealand.
Samuels has been replaced in the 15-member squad for the five one-day internationals by wicketkeeper/batsman Chadwick Walton.
“Marlon’s injury is unfortunate at such a tough time for the team,” Gibson said on Tuesday.
“It’s a major setback for the side as it looks to restore faith.”
Samuels has exacerbated a chronic right wrist injury which could require surgery, a team statement said.
His replacement, Walton, has previously played two ODIs for the West Indies during the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.
The 28-year-old Jamaican is a tidy gloveman with close to 250 dismissals in first class and senior limited-overs competitions.
“Chaddy has been on tour with us from the start, including the tour of India, without getting an opportunity,” Gibson said.
“He has been working hard and growing as a player and I feel confident that when his opportunity comes he will make the most of it.”
The first ODI is at Eden Park on Boxing Day.