New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been officially ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing five-match T20I series against India. He sustained an injury during the second T20I, which was played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. This comes as a major blow to the hosts, who are already trailing 0-3 in the series.
Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against India
According to an official media release from New Zealand Cricket, Lockie Ferguson experienced sharp pain in his right calf while bowling. A subsequent medical scan revealed a low-grade muscle tear. The 33-year-old pacer will require at least a week of rehabilitation and rest before he can resume bowling, meaning he will play no further part in the T20I series. Fast bowler Matt Fisher has been brought into the squad as his replacement.
This injury has further compounded concerns regarding the Black Caps’ fast-bowling department. Another key pacer, Matt Henry, has also been ruled out due to an injury sustained in the same match. He may take one to two weeks to recover, though the team management was already planning how to manage his workload, given the busy international summer season ahead.
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New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said, “We feel for Lockie Ferguson and Matt. Injuries are a part of international cricket, but it’s never easy when you have to miss matches. On the positive side, Matt was already scheduled to sit out the remainder of the T20I series given his busy summer schedule, and we expect him to play a key role in the ODIs.
I know Lockie was really looking forward to playing in front of a packed house at Eden Park tomorrow, but he is fully committed to making a comeback for the ODIs.”
