Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out of India T20Is, Matt Fisher Named Replacement

Auckland, October 29: New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remaining two T20 Internationals against India after sustaining a calf injury during the second match of the five-game series. Matt Fisher has been named as his replacement for the remainder of the series, which India have already clinched with an unassailable 3-0 lead.

The fourth T20I is scheduled for Auckland on Friday, with the hosts hoping to finish the series on a positive note despite injury concerns.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) says scans confirmed a low-grade tear in Ferguson's right calf after he felt discomfort during the second T20I at Hagley Oval. The pacer is expected to require approximately another week of recovery before returning to action.

Matt Henry has also been ruled out of the T20I series after suffering a right quadriceps injury during the same match. Scans revealed a low-grade tear that is expected to require one to two weeks of rehabilitation. However, Henry remains on course to join New Zealand for the upcoming ODI series against India, beginning November 4.

Fisher, who had joined the T20I squad in Wellington as bowling cover, will replace Ferguson for the final two matches. His departure has prompted New Zealand to call up Central Stags fast bowler Brett Randell to the New Zealand A squad for the second match against India A.

Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson will remain in Wellington under his planned workload management programme and will be available for Canterbury's second-round Ford Trophy fixture on Saturday. He is scheduled to rejoin the national squad on Monday ahead of the ODI series.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries but remained hopeful that both Ferguson and Henry would be available for the ODI leg.

Walter said Ferguson had been eager to play before a sold-out crowd at Eden Park but remained determined to recover in time for the 50-over matches. He also expressed optimism about Henry's return, given the bowler's planned workload management for the busy summer schedule.