In a setback to New Zealand’s fast-bowling line-up, Lockie Ferguson has been sidelined from the remainder of the T20I series against India. Matthew Fisher will take Ferguson’s place after joining the squad in Wellington. Ferguson, who participated in the first two T20I matches, suffered discomfort in his right calf during the second match in Christchurch. Subsequent medical scans revealed a “low-grade tear,” requiring “another week or so of recovery,” according to New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Initially, Fisher was slated to join the team only for the third T20I but has been asked to stay on for the remainder of the series. Originally set to play in the series against India A, his position there will now be covered by Brett Randell of the New Zealand A squad for their upcoming match.
In related news, fast bowlers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, also out of the remaining T20Is due to minor injuries, are expected to feature in the ODI series commencing on 4th November in Auckland. Both are undergoing “planned workload management,” which sees fast bowlers being rotated in and out of the New Zealand squad during this tour.
Henry has strained his right quadricep, with scans confirming a low-grade tear, necessitating one to two weeks of recovery. Meanwhile, Jamieson, staying in Wellington, is anticipated to participate in Canterbury’s upcoming Ford Trophy game on Saturday. He will rejoin New Zealand’s squad for the ODIs next Monday.
“We’re gutted for Lockie and Matt,” commented head coach Rob Walter. “Injuries happen in international cricket, but it’s never easy when players have to miss games. Luckily for Matt, we had already planned for him to sit out the remaining T20Is due to his busy schedule ahead. We’re hopeful he’ll still play a vital role in the upcoming ODIs. As for Lockie, he was really looking forward to the game at Eden Park, but he is eager to make his return in the ODIs.”
New Zealand are already trailing 3-0 in the five-match T20I series against India, with the last two games scheduled for 30th October in Auckland and 1st November in Hamilton. The series will then shift focus to five ODI matches.
Lockie Ferguson, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, New Zealand, India tour of New Zealand.
