Digital Desk, Lucknow: The New Zealand cricket team has suffered a major setback before the five-match ODI series being played against India. Fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Blair Tickner have been ruled out of the remaining matches. Apart from this, key bowler Matt Henry will also not be able to play the third ODI match to be held in Hamilton on Tuesday. Along with these changes in its bowling order, the Kiwi team has also had to take big decisions in view of the preparations for the upcoming Test series. India is leading 2-0 in the series after winning both the initial matches.
Tickner and Ferguson out due to concussion and injury
While batting during the second ODI match played in Wellington, Kiwi fast bowler Blair Tickner was directly hit by a bouncer from Anshul Kamboj. Although he was declared free from concussion in the medical examination and Matt Fisher was brought in as a concussion substitute in his place, but under ICC mandatory rules, Tickner will have to complete a stand-down period of 7 days from the date of the match. Due to this rule, he will not be able to take the field in the upcoming two ODI matches. Northern Districts fast bowler Christian Clarke has been included in the team as cover for Tickner.
At the same time, Lockie Ferguson has not yet fully recovered from the injury he suffered in his right calf during the T-20 series. Due to this, he has also been ruled out of the fourth and fifth ODIs of the series. Ferguson could not even play the last two T20 matches against India.
Eye on Matt Henry's return and players will leave for test camp
Matt Henry has undergone a medical examination again in Wellington after colliding with Devon Conway during training in Auckland. He has been rested from the third ODI and is aiming to make a comeback in the fourth ODI to be held on November 14. Apart from this, Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson were earlier supposed to join the Test camp after the third ODI, but now they will remain with the team till the fourth ODI.
On the other hand, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith will leave from Hamilton for Wellington on Wednesday to strengthen the preparations for the Test series. Due to the departure of these five players, they will not be able to play the fifth and final ODI match. According to the New Zealand Cricket Board, other players will be included in the squad for the fourth and fifth ODI, while the final squad for the fifth ODI is yet to be announced.
Also read: