New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will be heading back home after sustaining a calf injury during the recent T20I match against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. The 33-year-old pacer, who had recently returned from a hamstring injury, played a crucial role in New Zealand’s victory by taking a hat-trick. Unfortunately, he will miss the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, which starts on November 13.
Ferguson felt discomfort in his calf while bowling his second over during the T20I. He left the field and couldn’t continue the game but was later awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional performance. Initial medical assessments have ruled him out of the rest of the tour, and he will undergo further scans back in New Zealand to evaluate the injury.
Adam Milne Called Up as Ferguson’s Replacement
In response to Ferguson’s injury, New Zealand has called up fast bowler Adam Milne as his replacement. Milne, an experienced international player, will join the squad in Dambulla on Tuesday.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his disappointment about Ferguson’s departure, saying, “We’re gutted for Lockie. He brought tremendous energy and leadership to the team and showcased his skills in just two overs. Losing him so early in the tour is tough, but we’re hopeful for a swift recovery.”
Stead added, “Adam Milne is a perfect replacement. He brings genuine pace and has a lot of international experience, which will be valuable for us in this ODI series.”
New Zealand’s Bowling Line-up Adjustments
With Ferguson’s absence, New Zealand will rely on a mix of seasoned and emerging fast bowlers in the ODI series. The team’s seam attack will now include Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, and Nathan Smith, with additional support from all-rounders Zakary Foulkes and Josh Clarkson. Milne’s experience—having played 49 ODIs and 53 T20Is—should bolster New Zealand’s bowling unit, which is otherwise relatively inexperienced.
Ferguson’s Role and Impact on New Zealand Cricket
Since his debut in December 2016, Ferguson has been a key figure in New Zealand’s white-ball squad, known for his express pace and wicket-taking abilities. His recent T20I hat-trick is a testament to his skills and makes him only the sixth New Zealander to achieve this feat in T20Is. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the team is hopeful that Milne’s inclusion will bring stability to their pace attack.
New Zealand’s Tour Challenges and Recent Performance
New Zealand’s tour of the subcontinent has been a rollercoaster, with mixed results. After a washed-out Test against Afghanistan, they suffered a 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka in a Test series. However, they bounced back with a dominant 3-0 ODI series win over India. Now, as they face Sri Lanka in the ODI series, the team will be looking to build on their recent successes despite the setback of Ferguson’s injury.