In what comes as a massive blow for New Zealand, debutant Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ongoing first Test against Australia in Perth owing to a calf strain. The Kiwi speedster, who left the field on Day 1 after bowling just 11 overs, has suffered a strained calf muscle as the scans confirmed the injury ahead of Day 2 of the ongoing Test.
The Black Caps, before the start of Day 2’s play, confirmed that the speedster won’t be available for bowling after suffering a ‘strained right calf muscle-tendon strain’ on Day 1 of the Test. However, Ferguson will be available to bat.
New Zealand will now be a bowler short with the likes of Colin de Grandhomme, Jeet Raval and Mitchell Santner expected to bowl more during the course of the Perth Test.
Ferguson, after bowling his 11th over, clutched his right calf before heading to the pavillion. He was further sent to a local hospital to have an MRI scan which further confirmed his injury. Ferguson’s participation in the rest of the series is yet to be confirmed, however, it is highly unlikely that he will be fit to play in the three-match Test series against the Aussies.
The 28-year-old ended with 11 overs under his belt while giving away 47 runs without a wicket in what was his debut Test match for New Zealand.
