WELLINGTON (Web Desk) – Mitchell McClenaghan will undergo surgery for a fractured eye socket after suffering a nasty blow to the face in Monday’s ODI victory against Pakistan.
An express delivery from fast pacer Anwar Ali smashed through the grille of McClenaghan’s helmet and hit him on the left eye on the penultimate ball of the New Zealand innings in Wellington.
McClenaghan was left prone on the ground for a few seconds before getting up to cheers from the crowd and making his way off the field with blood and bruising around the eye.
He was taken to hospital for the wound to be stitched and later tweeted he had suffered “a few broken bones”.
Thanks for all the concerns. Everything is as good as it can be just a few broken bones. Great win for the boys! ? pic.twitter.com/S9A2pZqETa
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) January 25, 2016
A team spokesman said doctors had confirmed a slight fracture to the eye socket and McClenaghan would undergo “minor surgery” in Auckland on Friday.
McClenaghan retired hurt on 31 after featuring in a 73-run stand in 33 balls with Matt Henry for the ninth wicket to help New Zealand get up to 280-8.
He did not bowl in Pakistan’s innings, spending most of it in hospital instead.
McClenaghan is the fourth New Zealand player to be unavailable for Thursday’s game, with Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and Tim Southee also out through injury.
The second game in the series is in Napier on Thursday.
