New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remaining T20Is against India due to a calf injury. The hosts have retained 26-year-old pacer Matthew Fisher in the squad for the final two matches after he initially joined the team as bowling cover for the third T20I.
India have already sealed the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead after chasing 199 runs in just 13.2 overs in Wellington. The fourth T20I will take place at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30, followed by the fifth and final match in Hamilton on November 1.
Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out of Remaining T20Is Against India
Lockie Ferguson experienced pain in his right calf during the second T20I in Christchurch. He conceded 37 runs in three overs before leaving the field, and subsequent scans confirmed a low-grade tear. Lockie Ferguson needs around another week of recovery before returning to action.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injury, particularly with Lockie Ferguson set to miss the home match at Eden Park.
"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," Walter said.
Matthew Fisher, who was initially brought in as bowling cover for the third T20I, will remain with the squad. He was originally expected to return to New Zealand A for its second four-day match against India A. Fast bowler Brett Randell has been called up to replace him in the New Zealand A squad.
Matthew Fisher Takes Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Wicket in Wellington
Matthew Fisher made his second T20I appearance during the third match against India in Wellington. Although he conceded 23 runs in his only over, the 26-year-old dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had scored 45 off just 19 deliveries.
Fisher received a central contract this year and was also named in New Zealand's ODI squad for the India series. His retention comes amid a growing injury crisis in the hosts' pace attack.
Zak Foulkes and Mark Chapman have already been replaced by Blair Tickner and Josh Clarkson, respectively, while Rachin Ravindra and Will O'Rourke have also missed matches due to injuries.
India, meanwhile, continued their dominant run in the third T20I. The visitors chased down the 199-run target in 13.2 overs, losing four wickets, after Abhishek Sharma smashed his fourth T20I century. India also set a new record with a powerplay total of 118.
Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson Target ODI Series Return
Lockie Ferguson is not the only senior New Zealand fast bowler dealing with an injury. Matt Henry has also been ruled out of the remaining T20Is after experiencing pain in his right quadricep during the second match. The pacer is expected to require one to two weeks of recovery after a low-grade tear.
Walter said the team was disappointed to lose both fast bowlers but remained hopeful about their availability for the ODIs.
"We're gutted for Lockie and Matt," Walter said. "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," the head coach added.
Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson remain on track to return for the five-match ODI series, which begins at Eden Park on November 4. New Zealand will then face India in two Tests before travelling to Australia for a four-match Test tour.
Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson is following a planned workload management programme. He will remain in Wellington and is available for Canterbury's second-round Ford Trophy match on Saturday before rejoining the national squad on Monday to prepare for the ODIs.
