NZ's Finn Allen could miss India T20I series: Here's why
What's the story
New Zealand cricketer Finn Allen's participation in the upcoming five-match T20I series against India is in doubt. The series, starting on January 21 in Nagpur, will lead up to the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. However, if Perth Scorchers make it to the Big Bash League (BBL) final on January 25, Allen may miss out on the first few matches of this series.
Series impact
Allen's potential absence from T20I series
If the Scorchers qualify for the finals, Allen could be unavailable until the 4th T20I against India on January 28. The team's last league match is on January 17, against Melbourne Stars in Perth. However, if they fail to make it to the finals, Allen should be available for the entire T20I series. "Pending selection, I'll head straight to India once the Big Bash finishes up for us [Scorchers]," he told ESPNcricinfo.
Player perspective
Allen's commitment to New Zealand cricket
The 26-year-old cricketer is one of the few players who signed casual agreements with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), allowing them to play overseas franchise leagues. "Playing for New Zealand is still, for me, the pinnacle and the reason why I love playing is to represent my country," said Allen. He added that he was confident about returning to Black Caps duties after the BBL.
Comeback details
Return to competitive cricket
Allen is all set to return to competitive cricket after recovering from a foot stress fracture he sustained in Major League Cricket (MLC) this year. In the MLC opener, Allen had scored 151 runs (19 sixes) for San Francisco Unicorns against Washington Freedom at Oakland Coliseum. Overall, he owns 4,415 T20 runs at a strike rate of 173.81. His tally includes 1,285 T20I runs for New Zealand scored with a strike rate of 163.27.