New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the Chappell-Hadlee T20I series against Australia after suffering a major laceration to his face in a training incident on Tuesday.

Ravindra collided with the boundary boards during fielding practice at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui and while he passed initial concussion tests his injury has required significant stitching.

Allrounder Jimmy Neesham , who was part of the New Zealand side for the T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe during July where he played one match, has been called up as his replacement.

"We're all really disappointed for Rachin to be forced to miss the series," head coach Rob Walter said. He sustained a major laceration to his upper lip and nose area which required specialist and intricate stitching and will take time

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