New Zealand have been dealt a blow after pacers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry were ruled out of the rest of their T20I series against India.
Ferguson hurt his calf during the second T20I in Christchurch and will be sidelined for at least a week. Henry injured his quad in the same match and needs up to a fortnight to recover.
Fisher called up as replacement
The Black Caps have called up fellow quick Matt Fisher to their squad for the final two T20Is. New Zealand hope to have both Ferguson and Henry fit for the ODIs against India, which begin on November 4.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter said the team is disappointed for the two bowlers.
“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.”
Walter added that Fisher was already set to sit out the remaining T20Is to manage his workload ahead of a busy summer. “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.”
Walter also revealed Ferguson’s determination to return quickly. “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.”
Series situation
New Zealand trail India 3-0 in the five-match T20I series. The fourth fixture is scheduled to take place in Auckland on Friday.
The series so far has gone as follows:
- First T20I, 22 October, Christchurch: India won by four wickets
- Second T20I, 24 October, Christchurch: India won by four wickets
- Third T20I, 27 October, Wellington: India won by six wickets
New Zealand squad
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Zak Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner make up the squad.