Suryaa Sports Desk: The New Zealand team, which is already struggling with consecutive defeats in the ongoing T20 cricket series against India, has suffered another huge setback. That... The New Zealand team, which is already struggling with consecutive defeats in the ongoing T20 cricket series against India, has suffered another huge setback. Lockie Ferguson, the team's main fast bowler, has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is due to a muscle injury. The senior pacer, who suffered an unexpected injury during the practice sessions, was hopeful of a speedy recovery, but the medical reports have been disappointing. The team management had to take this tough decision after the doctors made it clear that he would need at least another week of rest to regain full fitness.
Team India, who have already dominated as part of this short cricket series of five matches, continues to be in a strong position. In this background, consecutive injuries to key players in the Kiwis camp is damaging the team's strategies. Another senior pacer, Matt Henry, has already pulled out midway through the series due to a hamstring problem, and now Lockie Ferguson's absence has further weakened the bowling department. The team's head coach Rob Walter himself confirmed this and expressed confidence that Ferguson will recover and be available by the upcoming ODI series. The Kiwis management has decided to keep young pacer Matthew Fisher with the team for the remaining two matches to fill the spot left vacant by Ferguson's absence. This is a golden opportunity for this young pacer who is only twenty six years old to show his potential on the international stage.
However, cricket analysts point out that the lack of Ferguson, who has good international experience, will be evident in terms of restricting the opposition team. The most important fourth T20 match between the two teams will be held on October 30 at Auckland. Having already lost the series, the disheartened Kiwis will be hoping to win these final battles and retain their honour. However, New Zealand had to come up with alternative strategies to face the strong Indian batting line-up. It will now be interesting to see how the Kiwis will fare in the rest of the matches after overcoming the injury woes. Also Read: If the movie doesn't do well, the audience will say it directly to your face: Victory Venkatesh
