New Zealand have made further changes to their ODI squad ahead of the third match against India, with Kristian Clarke called up as cover for Blair Tickner. Lockie Ferguson has also been ruled out of the final two ODIs due to a calf injury.IND vs NZ: Blair Tickner has been ruled out of the 3rd and 4th ODIs. (AP Photo) New Zealand have made further changes to their ODI squad ahead of the third match against India, with injuries continuing to disrupt their plans in the ongoing series.
Fast bowler Kristian Clarke has been called up as cover for Blair Tickner, while Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the series.Clarke will join the squad ahead of Tuesday's third ODI as New Zealand look to manage a growing list of injury concerns. Ferguson, meanwhile, has failed to recover fully from a low-grade tear in his right calf, which he sustained during the T20I series against India.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the fast bowler would miss the fourth and fifth ODIs.Tickner's availability also remains uncertain after he was struck by a ball while batting during the second ODI. Although he has been cleared of concussion, the fast bowler must complete the ICC's mandatory seven-day stand-down period from the date of the match before he can return to international cricket.
Matt Fisher had replaced him in the playing XI for the remainder of the contest.New Zealand have also provided an update on Matt Henry, who suffered a head injury following a collision with Devon Conway in Auckland. Henry was initially cleared of concussion but was reassessed in Wellington and has now been advised to target a return for the fourth ODI.
The developments have also prompted a change in the team's preparations for the final two matches. Henry and Kyle Jamieson, who were originally scheduled to join the Test squad in Wellington after the third ODI, will remain with the ODI group for the fourth match.New Zealand are expected to add two more players to their squad across the fourth and fifth ODIs as they continue to deal with their injury problems.
Meanwhile, five players will leave the ODI squad on Wednesday to begin preparations for the upcoming Test series against India. Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith will travel to Wellington, with New Zealand set to announce their Test squad in the coming days.Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the side in the third and fourth ODIs.
The updated squad for the third match includes Clarke, Fisher, Jamieson and Jacob Duffy among the bowling options, while Tim Seifert and Latham will provide wicketkeeping cover.For the fourth ODI, New Zealand have also named Finn Allen, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay and Matt Henry in their updated squad, with the latter targeting a return from his head injury.UPDATED NEW ZEALAND SQUADSThird ODI: 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.Fourth ODI: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Will Young.- Ends