Injury crisis hits NZ ahead of 3rd India ODI; Ferguson ruled out, Clarke called up

New Zealand players (PTI Photo)NEW DELHI: New Zealand have been forced into another squad reshuffle ahead of the third ODI against India, with mounting injury concerns threatening to disrupt their plans for the remainder of the series.Fast bowler Kristian Clarke has been called up as cover for Blair Tickner ahead of Tuesday's third ODI, while Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the fourth and fifth matches after failing to recover fully from a calf injury sustained during the T20I series.The latest developments add to New Zealand's growing list of fitness concerns, with Matt Henry also recovering from a concussion-related issue and Tickner required to undergo a mandatory stand-down period despite being cleared of concussion.Ferguson ruled out, Tickner faces mandatory breakFerguson has been ruled out of the final two ODIs after failing to recover fully from a low-grade tear in his right calf. The injury was sustained during the T20I series against India.Tickner, meanwhile, was struck by a ball while batting during the second ODI. Although he has since been cleared of concussion, his replacement in the playing XI by Matt Fisher means he must observe the ICC's mandatory seven-day stand-down period from the date of the match before returning to international cricket.Northern Districts fast bowler Clarke has consequently been drafted into the squad to provide additional bowling cover for the third ODI.Henry's availability also remains a concern. Initially cleared of concussion following his collision with Devon Conway in Auckland, the fast bowler was reassessed in Wellington and advised to target a return for the fourth ODI.Henry, Jamieson to stay; squads reshuffledNew Zealand have also adjusted their plans for the transition from the ODI series to the upcoming Test assignment.Henry and Kyle Jamieson, who were initially scheduled to join the Test camp in Wellington after the third ODI, will now remain with the ODI squad for the fourth match.Two additional players are also expected to be brought into the squad across the fourth and fifth ODIs, with the composition for the final match still to be confirmed.Meanwhile, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips and Nathan Smith will leave for Wellington on Wednesday to begin preparations for the Test series. New Zealand Cricket said the Test squad to face India would be announced in the coming days.Updated New Zealand ODI squadsThird ODI: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Will Young.Fourth ODI: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (WK), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert (WK), Will Young.Fifth ODI: To be confirmed.