Lockie Ferguson ruled out of last two T20Is against India with calf strain

New Zealand have suffered a major blow ahead of the fourth T20I against India. The hosts have already lost the first three matches of the series, and fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is now out of the squad with an injury. He will miss the remaining two matches of the series.

The fourth T20I will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday. Fans have turned out in large numbers and all tickets have been sold. The talk now, however, is whether New Zealand can win even a single match in this series. Ferguson's injury has certainly added to the team's worries.

Ferguson felt pain in his right calf during the second T20I at Hagley Oval. A scan showed a muscle strain. New Zealand Cricket has said he may need about another week to recover before returning to the field. Matt Fisher has been selected in his place for the last two T20Is.

The ODI series between India and New Zealand begins on November 4. New Zealand will hope Ferguson is fit before that series.

Fast bowler Matt Henry also felt pain in his right thigh during the second T20I and was examined. He has a minor injury that will take one to two weeks to heal. Henry had already been ruled out of the T20I series.

Ferguson, 35, played in the first two matches of this series. He bowled three overs in each match and conceded 34 and 37 runs respectively, taking only one wicket. India won both matches while chasing.

Ferguson did not play the third match, in which India reached a target of 199 in the 14th over. New Zealand did not perform well in that match and their fielding also looked sloppy. India will now be ready to win the remaining two matches and complete a whitewash. The Indian team will not make the mistake of taking the opposition lightly, however.