NZ vs IND: Lockie Ferguson ruled out of T20I series, Matthew Fisher named replacement

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against India. Ferguson featured in the first two matches and experienced pain in his right calf during the second game in Christchurch.

Subsequent scans confirmed a low-grade tear, and he is expected to require another week of recovery before returning to the field. In his place, Matthew Fisher has been added to the T20I squad as bowling cover. Fisher was originally named only for the third T20I, but will now remain with the side for the rest of the series.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Matt Henry also underwent scans after experiencing pain in his right quadriceps during the second T20I. He has picked up a low-grade tear and requires one to two weeks of recovery. 

However, Henry is on track to return for the ODI series against India beginning on November 4 in Auckland. As per the workload management of the seam all-rounder Kyle Jamieson, he will remain in Wellington for Canterbury’s second round match of the Ford Trophy on Saturday, before re-joining the New Zealand squad for the ODI series.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter is hopeful that both Henry and Ferguson will rejoin the BLACKCAPS squad soon.

India lead T20I series 3-0

“We’re gutted for Lockie and Matt. Injuries are part and parcel of international cricket but it doesn’t make it any easier when you have to miss games. Fortunately for Matt he was already going to sit out the rest of the T20Is with an eye to his big summer schedule, and we’re hopeful he’ll still play a key role in the ODIs,” Walter said in a media release.

“I know Lockie was fizzing to play in front of a sell-out home crowd at Eden Park tomorrow, but he’s determined to be back for the ODIs,” he added.

Meanwhile, India have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match T20I series. The remaining two matches are scheduled to be played on October 30 in Auckland and on November 1 in Hamilton.