In what comes as a big blow for New Zealand, the visitors are all set to miss the services of debutant Lockie Ferguson for the rest four days of the Test match. Ferguson has suffered a calf strain and is not fit to bowl. He is allowed to bat for now and a decision on his availability for rest of the series will be taken soon.
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It means that New Zealand are a bowler short. Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Lockie Ferguson will have to do heavy lifting to do the job for their side.
Ferguson suffered the strain during the second session on day 1 and was sent for scans. Earlier in the day, he wasn’t a confirmed selection in the playing XI and was only handed Test debut after Trent But was declared unfit. Fergusson pipped Matt Henry for a place n the playing XI – Henry was preferred over Ferguson for second England Test.
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Kiwis would hope that Boult regains fitness for the second Test or else they will have to call-up a replacement player for him. Boult missed second England Test due to pain in his ribs and was ruled out of ongoing Perth game as well.
Courtesy Marnus Labuschagne’s third consecutive century, Australia dominated the first day’s proceedings. At stumps, they were four down for 248. Tim Southee did scalp the wicket of Matthew Wade with the second new ball but the home team is in full control. A couple of early wickets would do the job but New Zealand have a tough chance sans Ferguson.
The next two Tests of the series will be played from December 26 and January 3 in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively. Since is a 10-day rest between the first and second Test, Boult is expected to be fit for the Boxing Day Test match.