The Kiwis have suffered a major setback ahead of the ODI series in the New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024 as pacer Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out due to a calf injury.
Bowling a sensational spell and picking a hattrick dismissing Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka during the second T20I against Sri Lanka on November 10, Lockie Ferguson has been named as the Player of the Match.
Ferguson became the sixth New Zealander to take a Twenty20 international hat-trick during his second over in Sunday’s series-levelling win in Dambulla.
The Kiwis’ head coach Gary Stead admitted the void that Ferguson’s absence will leave as he said that Ferguson is an asset to th side and adds more value with his leadership abilities.
Squad News | Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka with a calf injury and will be replaced by Adam Milne. #SLvNZ #CricketNationhttps://t.co/tpPXotFCK5
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 11, 2024
“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,” said Gary Stead.
Speaking about Ferguson’s injury, Stead said, “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.
Ferguson will be returning home to assess the extent of his injury and the time he needs for his recovery. Meanwhile Adam Milne has been added to the New Zealand squad as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson.
“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,” said Gary Stead.
After the T20I series tied 1-1, the visitors will be looking for a series win as the first ODI match starts on November 13 at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The second and third ODI will be played in Pallekele on November 17 and 19 respectively.
