Photo: Lockie Ferguson (Getty)
Major blow for New Zealand: Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out of T20 series against India; Matt Fisher gets the call-up
The New Zealand cricket team has suffered a major setback during their ongoing T20I series against India. Star fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to an injury, ahead of the fourth T20I at Eden Park in Auckland. Matt Fisher has been brought into the squad as his replacement.
Why was he ruled out?
According to a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Ferguson experienced pain in his right calf during the second T20I held at Hagley Oval. Scans have confirmed a low-grade muscle tear. It is expected to take him at least a week, if not longer, to recover and return to the field.
Additionally, Matt Henry also dealt with pain in his right quadriceps during the second T20I. Scans revealed a low-grade tear, which will require one to two weeks for recovery.
Statement from coach Rob Walter
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has expressed his disappointment regarding the injuries to the players.
He said:"We feel for Lockie and Matt. Injuries are a part of international cricket, but it’s never easy when you have to miss matches. The silver lining is that Matt was already scheduled to be rested for this series, given his upcoming busy schedule, and we expect him to play a key role in the ODI series. I know Lockie was really looking forward to playing at a packed Eden Park, but he is fully determined to make a comeback for the ODI series."
Although Henry has been ruled out of the T20Is, he is expected to be fit for the upcoming ODI series as part of his workload management. Additionally, Kyle Jamieson will join the ODI squad on Monday, following his participation in a Ford Trophy match for Canterbury—a move also aligned with workload management protocols.
It is worth noting that the Indian team has already secured the series with an unassailable 3-0 lead, and the fourth T20I is set to take place this Friday at Eden Park in Auckland.
