In a big blow to New Zealand's T20 World Cup campaign, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was on Tuesday ruled out of the showpiece due to a "grade two" calf tear just before their opening match against Pakistan. Pacer Adam Milne is set to replace him in the 15-member squad, subject to approval of the ICC Technical Committee.

The 30-year-old Ferguson felt tightness in his right calf following training on Monday night with a subsequent MRI scan revealed a grade two tear which would require three to four weeks recovery, according to a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) media release, "It's a real shame for Lockie to have this happen on the eve of the tournament and the entire team is really feeling for him right now," head coach Gary Stead said in the statement. With the Blackcaps set to play five pool games over the next 13 days, coach Stead said they had no option but to rule Ferguson out of the tournament.