Lockie Ferguson ruled out of T20I series against India
Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remainder of New Zealand's T20I series against India after suffering a low-grade calf tear, with Matt Fisher named as his replacement
New Zealand have suffered another setback, with Lockie Ferguson adding to the injury list ahead of the sold-out 4th T20I at Eden Park against India. The pacer has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing T20I tri-series against India, and will be replaced by Matt Fisher.
Ferguson experienced pain in his right-calf during the second T20I at Hagley Oval, and subsequent scans confirmed a low-grade tear. He is expected to require another week or so of recovery before returning to play, New Zealand Cricket stated in a release on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Matt Henry was also assessed following pain in his right quadricep during the second T20I. He had picked up a low-grade tear requiring one-to-two weeks of recovery.
“We’re gutted for Lockie and Matt,” said Rob Walter, New Zealand’s head coach. “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 on 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. 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.”
Henry, who was set to return to the side for the upcoming ODI series due to planned workload management, remains on track.
Meanwhile, as part of Kyle Jamieson's planned workload management, he will remain in Wellington and is available for Canterbury’s second round of the Ford Trophy on Saturday, before re-joining the national team on Monday for the ODI series.
With India already having sealed the series with an unassailable 3-0 lead, the fourth T20I is set to be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday.
