New Zealand have suffered another setback in their T20I series against India, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the final two matches due to a calf injury.
The hosts have named Matthew Fisher as his replacement as they look to finish the series on a stronger note.
India have already secured the five-match series by winning the first three games. With only two matches remaining, New Zealand will be hoping to recover from their difficult start, but Ferguson’s absence presents another challenge for their bowling attack.
Why Has Lockie Ferguson Been Ruled Out?
New Zealand Cricket announced on October 29 that Ferguson would miss the final two T20Is after suffering an injury during the second match against India.
According to the board, the fast bowler experienced pain in his right calf while bowling. Subsequent scans revealed a low-grade tear.
Although the injury was not considered serious, Ferguson was advised to take approximately a week to recover. The team management has therefore decided not to risk his participation in the remaining T20Is.
Ferguson had featured in the first two matches of the series but managed only one wicket across those games. His absence means New Zealand will have to rely on other members of their bowling attack during the closing stages of the series.
Ferguson to Return for the ODI Series
Ferguson was initially expected to return for the fourth T20I in Auckland on October 30. However, the injury has ruled out that possibility.
The fast bowler is now expected to return for the final two matches of the ODI series against India, subject to his recovery and fitness.
The fourth T20I in Auckland has reportedly sold out, with all 40,000 tickets booked. Ferguson will consequently miss the opportunity to play in front of the home crowd at the venue.
His return to the ODI squad could provide New Zealand with an important boost, provided he recovers in time.
Matthew Fisher Gets Another Opportunity
New Zealand have selected Matthew Fisher to replace Ferguson in the squad. The 26-year-old was originally part of the New Zealand A setup and had been brought in as cover ahead of the third T20I.
Fisher featured in that match after Ferguson’s injury and will now have another opportunity to prove himself at the international level.
However, his performances so far have been expensive. Across two T20Is, Fisher has bowled five overs, conceded 76 runs and taken one wicket.
In the third match, he conceded 23 runs in a single over but also dismissed young Indian batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The figures underline the challenge Fisher faces as he attempts to establish himself in New Zealand’s bowling attack. He will need greater control over his line and length to restrict India’s batters.
Can New Zealand Make a Comeback?
With India already having clinched the series, New Zealand’s immediate objective will be to improve their performances in the remaining matches.
The hosts will need their bowlers to deliver more consistent spells and prevent India from building momentum during the powerplay and middle overs. Their batters will also have to provide stronger support if the team hopes to finish the series positively.
Fisher’s inclusion gives New Zealand another option, but replacing an experienced fast bowler such as Ferguson will not be straightforward.
For Ferguson, the priority will be recovering fully before the ODI series. For New Zealand, the final two T20Is offer an opportunity to address their weaknesses and build confidence ahead of the next phase of the tour.