SL v NZ | Lockie Fergurson ruled out of T20I series with fractured thumb

Lockie Ferguson, who was the spearhead of New Zealand's bowling attack in the team's World Cup 2019 campaign, fractured his right thumb during a training session one day ahead of the first T20I. New Zealand coach Gary Stead subsequently confirmed, on Sunday, that Lockie was ruled out of the series after scans revealed a small fracture to the middle joint after which Ferguson headed home.

"It's a shame for Lockie to have to miss this series, especially coming off the back of such an impressive World Cup campaign in England," NZ coach said, according to Cricbuzz. "The thumb has been put in a splint and is expected to take four to six weeks to recover; so we're optimistic he'll be available for the five-game T20 series against England, which starts on November 1 in Christchurch.

"We won't name a replacement at this stage as we're confident we have adequate cover within the T20 squad who are here."

New Zealand, under Tim Southee's leadership, have defeated Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I at Kandy, with a five-wicket margin. The second and last T20I of the series will be played on Tuesday.