Hattrick hero Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the Black Caps' one-day series against Sri Lanka with a calf injury sustained during the dramatic Twenty20 victory over their hosts.
Fast-bowler Ferguson grabbed three wickets in as many deliveries to drag New Zealand back into the contest at Dambulla, aftrer posting a meagre batting score of 108 in their 20 overs.
His strike reduced Sri Lanka to 34/4 and spinner Glenn Phillips completed the comeback with three wickets in four balls at the end of the innings to secure an unlikely five-run win. But the result came at a cost.
Ferguson limped off after his second over, and will return to New Zealand for further assessment and rehabilitation, before the national team begin their domestic international schedule. They face Sri Lanka in three one-dayers over the next week, but their next whiteball fixtures will be hosting Sri Lanka in a T20 series, starting December 28.
"We're gutted for Lockie," said Black Caps coach Gary Stead. "He showed in the space of just two overs what an asset he is with the ball and he's also brought a lot of leadership to this group, so he'll be a big miss heading into an important ODI series for us.
"To be ruled out so early in a tour is always tough to take but we’re hopeful his recovery will be short and he'll be back out on the field in no time."
Fellow speedster Adam Milne has been called into the series, which begins at Dambulla on Wednesday.
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