New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against India after sustaining a calf injury, with Matt Fisher named as his replacement.
Ferguson experienced pain in his right calf during the second T20I at Hagley Oval. Subsequent scans confirmed a low-grade tear, and he is expected to need around another week to recover before returning to action.
Fisher, who had joined the squad in Wellington as bowling cover, will now feature for the remainder of the Hero VIDA T20I Series, powered by Ai+ Nova Smartphone. Meanwhile, Central Stags fast bowler Brett Randell has been called into the New Zealand A squad for the second match against India A to replace Fisher.
New Zealand have also suffered a setback with Matt Henry sustaining a right quadriceps injury during the second T20I. Scans confirmed a low-grade tear, and the fast bowler is expected to need one to two weeks of recovery.
Henry had been scheduled to return to the BLACKCAPS squad for the upcoming ODI series against India as part of planned workload management. He remains on track for that assignment.
Kyle Jamieson will also continue with his planned workload schedule, remaining in Wellington and available for Canterbury’s second-round Ford Trophy match on Saturday before rejoining the BLACKCAPS on Monday for the ODI series.
BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries but remained optimistic that Ferguson and Henry would be available for the ODI series against India.
“We’re gutted for Lockie and Matt,” said Walter.
“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.”
With Fisher stepping into the T20I squad, New Zealand will look to manage their bowling resources as the series against India continues, while hoping their injured pace duo recover in time for the upcoming 50-over contests.