Now Reading: Double Blow for New Zealand: Ferguson and Tickner Ruled Out of India ODIs
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Double Blow for New Zealand: Ferguson and Tickner Ruled Out of India ODIs
New Zealand’s injury crisis just got deeper. Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the final two ODIs against India with a right-calf tear, while Blair Tickner is stuck on the sidelines under a mandatory stand-down. With the hosts already 0-2 down, the bowling attack faces a major reshuffle.
Ferguson Out With Calf Tear
A right-calf tear has ended Lockie Ferguson’s involvement in the five-match ODI series. He will miss both the 4th and 5th ODIs.
The setback compounds a tough run for New Zealand. They lost the preceding T20I series 2-3 and now trail India 0-2 in the ODIs, so every selection call matters.
Tickner Stood Down After Helmet Blow
Blair Tickner was struck on the helmet during the 2nd ODI in Wellington. He was cleared of concussion, but ICC protocols require a mandatory seven-day stand-down.
That keeps him out of the 3rd and 4th ODIs. Matt Fisher replaced him during the Wellington game, and Kristian Clarke has now been added to the squad to bolster the bowling options for the 3rd ODI in Hamilton on November 10.
A Long Injury List
The pace attack is not the only area hit. Several key names are missing for different reasons.
| Player | Issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Lockie Ferguson | Right-calf tear | Out of 4th and 5th ODIs |
| Blair Tickner | ICC seven-day stand-down | Misses 3rd and 4th ODIs |
| Matt Henry | Low-grade right-quadriceps tear | Targeting 4th ODI return |
| Devon Conway | Concussion | Out of entire series |
| Rachin Ravindra | Shoulder problem | Absent |
| Mark Chapman | Hamstring complaint | Absent |
Henry’s quadriceps injury came in a collision with Conway during the 2nd T20I at Mount Maunganui. The same incident left Conway with a concussion. Two further players are expected to join the group for the final two matches, but their names have not been confirmed.
Test Camp Calls Split the Squad
With the Test series against India approaching, several senior names are moving on. Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls and Glenn Phillips travel to Wellington on November 12 to begin Test camp preparations. Nathan Smith is making the same move.
Kyle Jamieson takes a different path. He stays with the ODI group through the 4th ODI instead of linking up with the Test camp after the 3rd. That gives Mitchell Santner an extra seam-bowling option as New Zealand try to cut into India’s lead.
How the Squad Changes From the 3rd to the 4th ODI
Santner captains a 14-member group in Hamilton that blends experience with the newly called-up Clarke. The 4th ODI squad at Mount Maunganui looks noticeably different. Finn Allen, Dean Foxcroft and Mitchell Hay come into the reckoning, and Henry is pencilled in to return.
New Zealand Squad for the 3rd ODI
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Mitchell Santner |
| Squad | Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young |
New Zealand Squad for the 4th ODI
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Captain | Mitchell Santner |
| Squad | Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert, Will Young |
Latham, Mitchell, Nicholls, Phillips and Nathan Smith are all absent from the 4th ODI group as their focus shifts to the Test series.
What It Means for the Series
New Zealand head to Hamilton under pressure, with a depleted pace unit and a squad that changes shape again after one game. Santner’s side need quick adaptation from the fresh faces and a strong response from the bowlers who remain.
The 0-2 deficit leaves little room for error. The next match in Hamilton could decide whether the hosts keep the series alive or let it slip away.
