Lockie Ferguson
New Zealand suffered a huge setback ahead of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka as in-form pacer Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out due to a calf injury. The experienced campaigner picked up the injury during the second T20I against Sri Lanka on Sunday, November 10.
Ferguson bowled a sensational spell in the second T20I as he finished with figures of 3/7 in two overs after picking up a hat-trick. Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, and Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka were dismissed by Ferguson in his fiery performance. The right-arm pacer won the Player of the Match award as New Zealand won by five runs to level the series. He was expected to play a key role in the ODI leg but the injury has forced him to watch the matches from the sidelines.
New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead acknowledged the massive void that Ferguson’s absence will leave as he said that the 33-year-old is not only an asset with the ball but also adds more to the unit with his leadership abilities.
“We’re gutted for Lockie. He showed in the space of just two overs what an asset he is with the ball, and he’s also brought a lot of leadership to this group, so he’ll be a big miss heading into an important ODI series for us,” Stead was quoted as saying by India Today.
“To be ruled out so early in a tour is always tough to take, but we’re hopeful his recovery will be short, and he’ll be back out on the field in no time,” he added.
Adam Milne is a like-for-like replacement: Gary Stead
Ferguson, who became only the fifth Kiwi bowler in men’s T20Is to bag a hat-trick, will now return home to assess the extent of his injury and the time he needs for his rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Adam Milne has been brought into the side as Ferguson’s replacement as Stead drew similarities between the two bowlers.
“Adam is a like-for-like replacement who brings genuine pace and plenty of international experience, so we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the group,” Stead stated.
The first ODI is set to be held on Wednesday, November 13, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. Meanwhile, the action shifts to Pallekele for the last two ODIs on November 17 and 19, respectively.