Hamstring pain rules out Lockie Ferguson from the opening ODI against Sri Lanka

The Black Caps are off to the worst possible start as seamer Lockie Ferguson will miss the opening match of the three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and the hosts, New Zealand. Before traveling to India with two of his Kiwi teammates, Finn Allen and Glenn Phillips, to compete in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to begin on March 31, the 31-year-old tearaway bowler was supposed to play the first ODI.

Ferguson will not play in the opening game against the Island country due to a hamstring strain and failing the fitness test. The famous pacer's replacement has not yet been announced, though. Ferguson's expertise will be sorely missed in the first ODI, which will put further strain on players like Blair Tickner and Matt Henry.