New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson sidelined by calf injury, Matt Fisher called in as replacement

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 final fixtures, which India already leads 3‑0.

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 confirmed scans have revealed a low‑grade tear in Ferguson’s right calf, an injury that will likely keep him sidelined for about a week before he can resume bowling.

Matt Henry has also been withdrawn from the T20I series after tearing his right quadriceps in the same match. Scans showed a low‑grade tear requiring one to two weeks of rehabilitation, but the paceman is expected to be available for the upcoming ODI series against India, which begins on November 4.

Fisher, who was already part of the squad as a cover bowler in Wellington, will now take Ferguson’s place for the remaining two T20Is. To fill the spot left by Fisher’s promotion, New Zealand have called up Central Stags fast bowler Brett Randell to the New Zealand A side for the second game against India A.

Kyle Jamieson will remain in Wellington under a 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.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment at the injuries but remained hopeful that both Ferguson and Henry would be fit for the ODI leg of the tour.

Walter noted that Ferguson had been eager to perform before a sold‑out crowd at Eden Park but is now focused on a speedy recovery for the 50‑over matches. He also voiced optimism about Henry’s return, citing the bowler’s disciplined workload management for the busy summer schedule.

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