SL vs NZ: Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out of ODI Series Against Sri Lanka, New Zealand Name Replacement

New Zealand forced into naming replacement player after in-form pacer Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting on Wednesday (November 13) in Dambulla.

Ferguson had only returned from a hamstring injury last weekend, when he claimed an impressive hattrick in the second T20I against Sri Lanka as New Zealand defended 108 and levelled the series 1-1.

The speedster sustained a calf injury during their series-levelling victory on Sunday (November 10). A statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Ferguson left the field after experiencing discomfort while bowling his second over.

"An initial medical assessment indicated that he would not be fit enough to take part in the upcoming 50-over matches," the statement added. After his latest injury, Ferguson will return home for scans, which will determine the extent of the injury and the period of rehabilitation required.

Experienced quick Adam Milne has been called into the squad to replace Ferguson. He will link up with the New Zealand squad in Dambulla on Tuesday (November 12).

"We're gutted for Lockie. He showed in the space of just two overs what an asset he is with the ball, and he's also brought a lot of leadership to this group, so he'll be a big miss heading into an important ODI series for us. To be ruled out so early in a tour is always tough to take, but we're hopeful his recovery will be short, and he'll be back out on the field in no time," New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said.

While addressing Ferguson's replacement, Stead added, "Adam is a like-for-like replacement who brings genuine pace and plenty of international experience, so we're looking forward to welcoming him into the group."

Milne will form an inexperienced bowling unit alongside Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith for the three ODIs against Sri Lanka. Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the side in the absence of Tom Latham. Here is a look at the updated Kiwis squad:

New Zealand squad for ODI series vs Sri Lanka

Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule

November 13, Wednesday: 1st ODI - Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla - 2:30 PM IST
November 17, Sunday: 2nd ODI - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele - 2:30 PM IST
November 19, Tuesday: 3rd ODI - Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele - 2:30 PM IST