New Zealand injury list lengthens as Tom Latham is ruled out of T20Is against India

Latham is targeting a return in time for the 50-over series against India, which is due to begin on February 5, but will not be available for the five-match T20 series against the same opposition which is scheduled to start on January 24

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Tom Latham is the latest name to be added to New Zealand's long casualty list.

The batsman has suffered a fracture to the little finger on his right hand and will need four weeks to recover.

Latham is targeting a return in time for the 50-over series against India, which is due to begin on February 5, but will not be available for the five-match T20 series against the same opposition which is scheduled to start on January 24.

He sustained the injury on the fourth day of the third Test against Australia in Sydney.

Latham's issue only increases head coach Gary Stead's selection problems.

The Blackcaps' treatment room also currently includes Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult and Matt Henry, while Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner all struggled with illness during the ill-fated tour of Australia.

^{Lockie Ferguson is on New Zealand's injured list}

"Lockie Ferguson (right calf-strain) has returned to running and performing bowling drills. He’ll continue to progress over the next couple of weeks with the potential to return to domestic cricket early next month," Stead said.

"Trent Boult has been resting his broken right hand and will return to bowling later this week. He’ll be touch and go to be available for the Indian T20 series later this month and we’ll continue to monitor him closely over the next few weeks.

"Matt Henry has had his broken left thumb splinted and will require around a month for it to fully heal. In this time he will still be able to practise bowling and will look at a return to play early next month.

"Kane, Henry and Mitch are regaining their health after being struck down with influenza A and will continue be monitored as they slowly rebuild their strength and fitness."

New Zealand will name their T20 squad for the India trip next week.

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