New Zealand have been dealt a blow with news that pacers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry will miss the remainder 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 also hurt his quad in the same match and needs up to a fortnight to recover.
The Black Caps have called up fellow quick Matt Fisher to their squad for the final two T20Is against India. They hope to have both Ferguson and Henry fit for the ODIs against the Asian side, which commence on November 4.
Walter Backs Squad Depth
New Zealand coach Rob Walter admitted the setback was hard to take.
“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 rest of the T20Is with an eye on his big summer schedule, so the injuries do not affect his availability in the same way. “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 spoke about Ferguson’s determination. “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 currently trail 3-0 in the five-match T20I series against India. The fourth fixture is scheduled to take place in Auckland on Friday.
India have won each of the first three matches. The first T20I in Christchurch on October 22 ended with India winning by four wickets. India then won the second T20I, also in Christchurch on October 24, by four wickets. The third T20I in Wellington on October 27 went India’s way 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, Blair Tickner