New Zealand debutant quick Lockie Ferguson suffers calf injury in last over before tea break on first day of Domain Test series
Ferguson sent for MRI after pulling up lame on debut
New Zealand have suffered a major injury blow with debutant fast bowler Lockie Ferguson sent for scans for a suspected calf strain.
New Zealand confirmed Ferguson sustained the injury while bowling in the second session of the first Domain Test at Perth Stadium and will undergo an MRI scan.
The express paceman will then be assessed on Friday morning when his participation for the remainder of the match is set to be revealed.
A frustrating day for New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson gets worse as he leaves the field after bowling his 11th over.#AUSvNZ pic.twitter.com/qdVqANMAsy— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 12, 2019
Ferguson bowled with searing pace in scorching conditions on day one, recording figures of 0-47 from 11 overs on Test debut.
Upon completing his 11th and final over, the 28-year-old grimaced and clutched his right calf before leaving the field.
The right-armer should have had a maiden Test wicket but Tom Latham put down a hot chance at second slip to give Steve Smith a life on 19.
It's the second injury setback for the Black Caps this tour, with spearhead Trent Boult unable to overcome a side strain issue in time to be fit for the series opener.
Boult bowled with good pace and swing on match eve in the Perth Stadium nets but New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said at the toss the left-armer was not quite ready to play.
With Ferguson out, more will be asked of allrounder Colin de Granndhomme, who had to recover from an abdominal injury to play.
De Grandhomme captured the first wicket of the series for the Black Caps when he trapped opening batter Joe Burns in front for nine, but a review would have saved the Australian.
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Domain Test Series v New Zealand
Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
New Zealand: Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson (c)
First Test: December 12-16, Perth Stadium day-night (Seven, Fox & Kayo)
Second Test: December 26-30, MCG (Seven, Fox & Kayo)
Third Test: January 3-7, SCG (Seven, Fox & Kayo)