ROSS TAYLOR will miss the opening ODI against Bangladesh in Dunedin this Saturday after having picked up a small tear in his left hamstring while he was fielding on the last day of the Central Stags' Plunket Shield thrilling win against the Firebirds in Napier on Sunday.

The three-match ODI series is the BLACKCAPS' first qualifying series for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup - and the first chance for Central Stag WILL YOUNG to make his ODI debut, with the home squad already hit by injuries to Kane Williamson and Colin de Grandhomme.

Auckland Ace Mark Chapman has been called into the BLACKCAPS for the first ODI as cover, but BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead says Taylor's injury is relatively minor and is hopeful he will be available for Game Two on Tuesday at Hagley Oval.

“It’s a shame for Ross to have this happen on the eve of a Series,” said Stead.

“It’s a small tear and we’re hopeful after some rest and rehabilitation we can get him fit for the second game in Christchurch.

Taylor will assemble with the side in Dunedin later today in order to have treatment and monitor the injury.

Following the ODI Series, the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS will join forces in a Series of Twenty20 Internationals including a 3PM/7PM Doubleheader against world champions Australia and Bangladesh at Napier's McLean Park on Tuesday 30 March 2021.

Article added: Wednesday 17 March 2021