In what can be termed as a telling blow to blackcaps fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out from the first test against Australia due to a calf strain. Having bowled just 11 overs the debutant left the park after he felt some discomfort and was sent for an MRI scan.
An MRI scan has confirmed a right calf muscle-tendon strain for Lockie Ferguson which will prevent him bowling in the remainder of the 1st Test, although he is available to bat,” NZC said in a statement on Twitter. Marnus Labuschagne's century lead Australia to a respectable total at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first in front of the home crowd. The tourists are already struggling without the services of Trent Boult as the left-armer is yet to recover from a muscle injury around he sustained in the series against England. In the absence of Ferguson the seam bowling duties will be shared by Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Colin de Grandhomme.
