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Big setback for New Zealand! Star player ruled out of India T20I series

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Lockie Ferguson will miss the remainder of the T20I series against India after sustaining a low-grade tear in his right calf, with Matt Fisher named as his replacement. New Zealand's bowling department has endured heavy pressure throughout the tour as India secured a 3-0 series lead by chasing targets of 225, 180, and 199. Meanwhile, Matt Henry is managing a right quadricep tear to prepare for the upcoming ODIs, and Kyle Jamieson will participate in a domestic Ford Trophy match before returning. The Black Caps will rely more heavily on spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell heading into the fourth match at Eden Park.

Key points

  • Matt Fisher has been drafted into the national squad to replace Ferguson for the remainin…: Matt Fisher has been drafted into the national squad to replace Ferguson for the remaining T20I fixtures.
  • Kyle Jamieson will play for Canterbury in the Ford Trophy on Saturday as part of a planne…: Kyle Jamieson will play for Canterbury in the Ford Trophy on Saturday as part of a planned workload schedule before rejoining the squad.
  • New Zealand will depend on spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell in front of a…: New Zealand will depend on spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell in front of a sold-out crowd at Eden Park.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

New Zealand have suffered another injury setback ahead of the fourth T20I against India, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the remainder of the series and Matt Fisher called up as his replacement.

Ferguson sustained an injury to his right calf during the second T20I at Hagley Oval. Scans subsequently confirmed a low-grade tear, with the pacer expected to need around another week of recovery before returning to action, New Zealand Cricket said in a statement on Thursday.

The latest blow comes at a time when New Zealand's fast-bowling attack has struggled to contain India's aggressive batting throughout the series. India have already secured an unassailable 3-0 lead, with their batters making light work of the hosts' bowling in all three matches.

India chased down 225 in the opening T20I before successfully pursuing a target of 180 in the second match. The third T20I proved even more punishing for New Zealand, as India overhauled 199 in just 13.2 overs.

While the pace attack has come under pressure, New Zealand's spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell have continued to…

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