Injury crisis hits New Zealand ahead of third India ODI; Lockie Ferguson ruled out, Kristian Clarke called

ByTech Word News

New Zealand players (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: New Zealand have been forced into yet another squad reshuffle ahead of the third ODI against India, with growing injury concerns threatening to derail their plans for the rest of the series.Fast bowler Kristian Clarke has been called up as cover for Blair Tickner ahead of Tuesday’s third ODI, while Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the fourth and fifth matches after not fully recovering from a calf injury sustained during the T20I series.The latest development adds to New Zealand’s growing list of health problems, with Matt Henry also recovering from a concussion-related problem and Tickner facing mandatory downtime despite being cleared of concussion.

Ferguson sent off, Tickner faces mandatory break

Ferguson has been ruled out of the last two ODIs after not fully recovering from a minor tear in his right calf. He suffered the injury during the T20I series against India.Meanwhile, Tickner was hit by the ball while batting during the second ODI. Although he has since been cleared of concussion, his replacement in the playing eleven by Matt Fisher means he must comply with the ICC’s mandatory seven-day inactivity period from the date of the match before returning to international cricket.Northern District fast bowler Clarke was subsequently called into the squad to provide additional bowling cover for the third ODI.Henry’s availability also remains an issue. The fast bowler was initially ruled out of concussion after a collision with Devon Conway in Auckland but was reassessed in Wellington and advised to return for the fourth ODI.

Henry, Jamieson stay; platoons were regrouped

New Zealand have also adjusted their plans to transition from the ODI series to the upcoming Test assignment.Henry and Kyle Jamieson, who were originally slated to join the Test camp in Wellington after the third ODI, will now remain in the ODI squad for the fourth match as well.Two more players are also expected to be brought into the squad through the fourth and fifth ODIs, with the squad for the final match yet to be confirmed.Meanwhile, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith will leave for Wellington on Wednesday to begin preparations for the Test series. New Zealand Cricket said the Test squad against India would be announced in the coming days.

Updated New Zealand ODI squads

  • Third ODI: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
  • Fourth ODI: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (WK), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (WK), Will Young.
  • Fifth ODI: To be confirmed.