New Zealand debutant Lockie Ferguson won't bowl again in the first Domain Test against Australia after scans confirmed a strained calf muscle.

In a massive blow to the Black Caps, the right-armer bowled just 11 overs before he was sent for scans in Perth on Thursday evening, just hours after he became the 277th Kiwi man to play Test cricket.

pic.twitter.com/qdVqANMAsy A frustrating day for New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson gets worse as he leaves the field after bowling his 11th over. #AUSvNZ December 12, 2019

And the Black Caps have confirmed the right-armer has suffered a strained right calf muscle-tendon that will prevent him from bowling for the rest of the match, although he is available to bat.

His participation in the rest of the series is yet to be determined.

Ferguson bowled with searing pace in scorching conditions on day one, recording figures of 0-47 from 11 overs.

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Upon completing his 11th and final over, the 28-year-old grimaced and clutched his right calf before leaving the field.

The right-armer should have had a maiden Test wicket but Tom Latham put down a hot chance at second slip to give Steve Smith a life on 19.

It's the second injury setback for the Black Caps on this tour, with spearhead Trent Boult unable to overcome a side issue in time to be fit for the series opener.

Boult bowled with good pace and swing on match eve in the Perth Stadium nets but New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said at the toss the left-armer was not quite ready to play.

With Ferguson out, more will be asked of allrounder Colin de Granndhomme, who himself had to recover from an abdominal injury to play in Perth.

"It's gutting, isn't it," teammate Neil Wagner said on Thursday of Ferguson's cruel luck, before the scan results were known.

"It's pretty heartbreaking and I know he'll be devastated.

"He's a quality player and we would have loved to see him bowl more, and see what he could have done."

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