New Zealand’s injury woes have deepened as fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against India due to a calf injury.
The 35-year-old paceman sustained the injury during the second T20I in Christchurch and was subsequently sidelined for the third match in Wellington. Medical assessments indicate Ferguson will require approximately a week to recover.
Fisher Promoted to Main Squad; Randell Called Up for New Zealand A
In light of Ferguson’s exclusion, pacer Matt Fisher—who was initially called up as cover for the third match—has been permanently added to the T20I squad for the remaining two games.
To fill the void created by Fisher’s promotion, Central Stags fast bowler Brett Randell has been drafted into the New Zealand A squad for the remaining two four-day unofficial Tests against India A.
Ferguson represents the second major fast-bowling setback for the hosts, who currently trail 0-3 in the five-match series, following a quad injury to Matt Henry.
”We’re gutted for Lockie and Matt. Injuries are part and parcel of international cricket, but it doesn’t make it any easier when you have to miss games,” said New Zealand head coach Rob Walter. “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.”
Workload Management for Kyle Jamieson
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) also confirmed that Ferguson is expected to return for the fourth and fifth ODIs scheduled for November 13 and 15.
Meanwhile, tall all-rounder Kyle Jamieson—who made his international return in the third T20I following a layoff since June—will remain in Wellington to feature for Canterbury in the Ford Trophy on Saturday as part of his planned workload management, before rejoining the national squad for the upcoming ODI series.
