New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson out of series due to injury

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the upcoming matches of the ODI series against India due to injury. According to a press release issued by New Zealand Cricket, Ferguson has not fully recovered from a low-grade tear in his right calf sustained during the T20 series. Consequently, he will not be able to play the fourth and fifth ODI matches.

To address the injury concerns within the team, New Zealand Cricket has included fast bowler Christian Clark in the squad. Clark has been called up as a replacement for Blair Tickner ahead of the third ODI to be played in Hamilton on Tuesday, 10 November, 2026.

Blair Tickner was injured after being hit by a ball while batting during the second ODI against India. Although he has been cleared of concussion, he cannot play at present as per the regulations. Tickner was replaced by Matt Fisher in the playing XI, and he will now have to serve the mandatory seven-day ICC stand-down period from the match date before returning to international cricket.

On the other hand, an important update has also been received regarding Matt Henry. Henry also suffered concussion symptoms after colliding with Devon Conway in Auckland and was initially cleared; however, after further assessment in Wellington, he has been advised to aim for a return in the fourth ODI. Henry and Kyle Jamieson, who were scheduled to join the Test camp in Wellington after the third ODI, will now remain with the team for the fourth match.

Amidst these team arrangements, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, and Nathan Smith will depart for Wellington on Wednesday to begin preparations for the Test series. It is possible that two more players will be added to the team during the fourth and fifth ODIs. The New Zealand squad for the Test series against India will be announced in the coming days.

The squad for the third ODI under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner has been announced, comprising Mitchell Bracewell, Christian Clark, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, and Will Young. Players such as Finn Allen, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, and Matt Henry are included in the squad for the fourth match.