New Zealand have suffered another injury setback ahead of their ongoing ODI series against India, with fast bowlers Blair Tickner and Lockie Ferguson unavailable for upcoming matches. The Blackcaps have brought right-arm pacer Kristian Clarke into the squad earlier than planned as they look to strengthen their bowling options during the five-match series.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed the squad changes on Monday, November 9, a day before the third ODI against India at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The latest developments add to New Zealand’s growing injury concerns, with several key players already missing the white-ball series.
Why Are Lockie Ferguson and Blair Tickner Missing the India ODIs?
Lockie Ferguson will miss the fourth and fifth ODIs against India at Mount Maunganui because he has not recovered from a low-grade tear in his right calf. The injury occurred during the T20I leg of the tour, and the fast bowler has been unable to regain full fitness in time for the remaining matches.
Blair Tickner’s absence is due to a different issue. The right-arm pacer was struck by a ball while batting during the second ODI in Wellington on November 7. He was subsequently replaced in the playing XI by fellow fast bowler Matt Fisher, who came in as a concussion substitute.
Although Tickner has since been cleared of concussion, he cannot immediately return to international cricket. Under the ICC’s mandatory seven-day stand-down period, a player replaced by a concussion substitute must wait seven days from the date of the match before returning.
New Zealand Cricket explained the situation in its official statement:
“Tickner has since been cleared of concussion however, as he was replaced in the XI by Matt Fisher, he is required to follow the ICC’s mandatory stand-down period of seven days from the date of the match before returning to international cricket,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
As a result, Tickner will miss the third and fourth ODIs, scheduled for November 10 and November 13. Ferguson, meanwhile, is unavailable for the final two matches because of his calf injury.
Kristian Clarke Called Up After Dismissing Virat Kohli Twice
With the bowling attack affected by injuries, Kristian Clarke has been brought into the squad earlier than originally planned. The 25-year-old right-arm pacer was already part of New Zealand’s group for the later matches, but the latest changes mean he will join the team ahead of schedule.
Clarke arrives with encouraging memories of his previous tour of India in January. During that series, he dismissed India’s batting star Virat Kohli twice and finished as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker.
He claimed seven wickets at an average of 26.14, making him one of the standout performers in the bowling department. His previous success against India could make him an important option as New Zealand attempt to improve their results in the ongoing series.
His inclusion also gives the Blackcaps another pace-bowling option at a time when injuries have significantly affected their resources. Clarke will have an opportunity to build on his earlier performances against Indian batters.
New Zealand’s Injury Problems Continue During the India Series
New Zealand’s latest squad changes are part of a wider injury problem that has affected the team over recent weeks. Several players were ruled out even before the home white-ball series against India began, forcing the management to make repeated adjustments to its plans.
Mark Chapman was unavailable after suffering a left hamstring injury during the European T20 Premier League in September. Following an MRI scan, he required an additional two weeks of rehabilitation before he could return to action.
Rachin Ravindra also missed the white-ball series because of a right shoulder injury. The shoulder was dislocated during a promotional shoot, and he had not recovered sufficiently to field at full capacity.
New Zealand’s fast-bowling department has faced further setbacks, with Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears and Zak Foulkes also ruled out of the series because of injuries. Their absence has reduced the team’s available pace options and increased the workload on the remaining bowlers.
Opening batter Devon Conway then suffered a concussion following a collision with Matt Henry in Auckland, ruling him out of the series. Henry had been recovering from an injury sustained during the T20I series. Although he was initially cleared, he underwent another assessment in Wellington and is targeting a return for the fourth ODI.
All-rounder Kyle Jamieson is also staying with the team for the fourth ODI before moving on to Test duties. These developments have made squad management particularly challenging for New Zealand during the India series.
New Zealand Squad for the Third ODI Against India
New Zealand will have Mitchell Santner leading the side in the third ODI at Seddon Park. Kristian Clarke is included in the group following the latest changes, while Matt Fisher remains among the available pace options after replacing Tickner.
The New Zealand squad for the third ODI is as follows:
- Mitchell Santner (captain)
- Michael Bracewell
- Kristian Clarke
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Fisher
- Kyle Jamieson
- Nick Kelly
- Tom Latham (wicketkeeper)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Henry Nicholls
- Glenn Phillips
- Tim Seifert
- Nathan Smith
- Will Young
New Zealand Squad for the Fourth ODI Against India
The fourth ODI squad includes several changes, with Finn Allen, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay and Matt Henry featuring in the group. Tickner and Ferguson are unavailable, while Clarke remains part of the squad.
The announced squad for the fourth ODI is:
- Mitchell Santner (captain)
- Finn Allen
- Michael Bracewell
- Kristian Clarke
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Fisher
- Dean Foxcroft
- Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Nick Kelly
- Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper)
- Will Young
New Zealand Yet to Confirm Squad for the Fifth ODI
New Zealand have not yet confirmed their squad for the fifth and final ODI against India. The team is also preparing for the upcoming Test series, which is scheduled to begin on November 19.
Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith are set to leave for Wellington on Wednesday to begin preparations for the Test assignment. Their departure will be an important factor in New Zealand’s squad planning for the final ODI.
With Ferguson and Tickner unavailable and several other players dealing with injuries or workload considerations, the Blackcaps face another challenge in managing their resources. Kristian Clarke’s early arrival provides some additional support, particularly given his previous success against India.
New Zealand will now look to make the most of their available players as they continue their five-match ODI campaign against India. Clarke’s ability to reproduce his earlier performances, including his two dismissals of Virat Kohli, could be an important storyline as the series progresses.
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