New Zealand seamer Lockie Ferguson ruled out of Australia tour as Trent Boult nears full fitness

Ferguson suffered a calf problem on the first day of his Test career but the Kiwis have a ready-made replacement in wait

Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the remainder of New Zealand's tour of Australia after suffering a calf problem on the first day of his Test career in Perth.

The 28-year-old lasted barely two sessions of his five-day bow after being forced off, with an MRI scan later revealing a muscle-tendon strain in his right leg.

Ferguson was able to bowl just 11 overs but will take no further part in the three-match series, which resumes with the traditional Boxing Day Test.

Kane Williamson could also be without the quick for the multi-format tour of India in the New Year, with Ferguson expected to be out for six weeks.

Trent Boult missed the 296-run defeat in the day-night first Test but is in contention to return when the series moves to Melbourne next week.

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A rib injury meant Boult was unable to play any part but he is due to be reunited with seam battery Tim Southee and Neil Wagner at the MCG.

"Trent's going really well, he was probably three or four days short of being ready for the first test match," said New Zealand coach Gary Stead.

"That was a risk that we weren't prepared to take given the length of the season and what was left to come."

Defeat in Perth extended New Zealand's ignominious run in Australia to just one win in 23 Tests and they face an uphill task to win a series at the home of their local rivals for the first time since 1985.

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