New Zealand have made several changes to their squad ahead of the third ODI against India, with Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the final two matches. Blair Tickner will miss the next two games due to the ICC's mandatory seven-day stand-down period, and Kristian Clarke has been called up as cover for him.
The hosts lost the first two matches in the ongoing five-match ODI series. They are also without Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Mark Chapman due to injuries. With the third ODI scheduled for November 10 in Hamilton, New Zealand will look to bounce back and keep their hopes alive in the series.
New Zealand Pacer Blair Tickner to Miss 3rd and 4th ODIs After Helmet Blow
Blair Tickner has been cleared of concussion after a ball struck his helmet while he was batting during the second ODI in Wellington. However, the fast bowler must serve the ICC's mandatory seven-day stand-down period from the date of the match before returning to international cricket.
As a result, he will miss the third and fourth ODIs. Tickner was replaced by Matt Fisher for the second half of the rain-affected Wellington match. He had earlier made an impact with the bat in the series opener, smashing four sixes while batting at No. 11.
The team have called up Northern Districts fast bowler Kristian Clarke to provide cover. Clarke recently featured in the Ford Trophy and also played for New Zealand A against India A.
He took four wickets across four innings in the four-day series and scored 42 and 41 in his two batting outings. He has also represented New Zealand in four ODIs and one T20I.
Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out of Final Two ODIs
Lockie Ferguson has not fully recovered from the low-grade tear in his right calf that he sustained during the T20I series against India. The board confirmed that the injury would keep him out of the fourth and fifth ODIs.
Meanwhile, Matt Henry was initially cleared of concussion after colliding with Devon Conway during training ahead of the series opener in Auckland. However, he also sustained a low-grade tear in his right quadriceps during the second T20I.
Medical staff reassessed Henry in Wellington and advised him to aim for a comeback in the fourth match. He will remain with the ODI squad alongside Kyle Jamieson, although both were initially scheduled to leave for the Test camp after the third ODI.
Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell to Join New Zealand Test Camp Ahead of India Series
Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, and Nathan Smith will leave for Wellington on Wednesday, November 11, to prepare for the two-match Test series against India.
The opening Test will begin at the Basin Reserve on November 19, with the board expected to announce the squad in the coming days. Notably, the squad for the fifth ODI is yet to be announced.
New Zealand squad for 3rd ODI: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
4th ODI squad: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay (WK), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (WK), Will Young.
Also read: Matt Fisher replaces Blair Tickner as concussion substitute in 2nd ODI vs India
