Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out of Remaining India T20Is, Matt Fisher Named Replacement
Lockie Ferguson is ruled out of the remaining India T20Is, with Matt Fisher replacing him as Matt Henry targets an ODI return.
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against India due to pain in his right calf. The injury comes as New Zealand prepare for the final matches of the T20I series.
Ferguson felt discomfort during the second T20I and missed the following match. After assessing his condition, the team management decided not to risk his fitness for the remaining games.
Matt Fisher, who initially joined the squad as bowling cover, has now been named as Ferguson’s replacement for the rest of the T20I series.
Ferguson struggled in the second T20I, conceding 37 runs in just three overs without completing his four-over quota. Across his two appearances in the series, he conceded 71 runs and took one wicket.
The right-arm fast bowler is expected to be sidelined for around a week. New Zealand are hopeful that he will recover in time to play in the final two ODIs against India.
Matt Henry Also Faces Injury Setback
New Zealand have also suffered an injury setback involving fast bowler Matt Henry. Medical assessments after the second T20I confirmed a low-grade tear, which is expected to keep him out of action for one to two weeks.
Henry was already set to miss the remaining T20Is as part of the team’s workload management plans for the busy summer schedule. The team is now targeting his return for the five-match ODI series against India, which begins on November 4, 2026.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries to both fast bowlers.
“We’re gutted for Lockie and Matt,” Walter said, acknowledging the setback for the team.
“Injuries are part and parcel of international cricket but it doesn’t make it any easier when you have to miss games,” he added.
Walter also explained that Henry was always expected to sit out the remaining T20Is to manage his workload ahead of the upcoming international commitments.
“Fortunately for Matt he was already going to sit out on the rest of the T20Is with an eye to his big summer schedule, and we’re hopeful he’ll still play a key role in the ODIs,” he said.
With both experienced fast bowlers facing fitness concerns, New Zealand will hope their replacements can step up in the remaining T20Is. The team will also be keen to have Ferguson and Henry fit for the upcoming ODI series against India.
