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 with the Asian side, which commence on 4 November.
“We’re gutted for Lockie and Matt,” New Zealand coach Rob Walter said.
“Injuries are part and parcel of international cricket but it doesn’t make it any easier when you have to miss games.
“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.
“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 position
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.
Squad and schedule
The New Zealand squad is 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.
The series so far has produced three results:
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.