Lockie Ferguson will miss the coming ODI series against Sri Lankan team because of an injury. Ferguson made a big impact with a hat-trick in New Zealand‘s second T20I victory over Sri Lanka on November 10.
Ferguson took three wickets in two overs, and his outstanding performance helped New Zealand defend a respectable 108. He dismissed Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Perera as part of his hat-trick, which put Sri Lanka in a vulnerable 34-4 position.
But after achieving the hat-trick, Ferguson felt uneasy and had to leave the field. He was later ruled out of the ODI series after New Zealand Cricket reported that he had suffered a left calf injury during the match.
“Ferguson exited the field after feeling discomfort while bowling his second over, and an initial medical evaluation suggested that he would not be fit enough to participate in the upcoming 50-over matches,” the New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
Ferguson had just recently returned to the pitch following his recovery from a hamstring ailment, so the injury is a setback. This most recent problem complicates his recovery and makes it harder for him to get back to his best.
Adam Milne has been called up to take Ferguson’s position in the ODI squad due to his injury. In order to strengthen New Zealand’s pace attack for the series against Sri Lanka, Milne, a seasoned pacer with 53 T20Is and 49 ODIs under his credit, will join the team. Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy will join Milne, bolstering New Zealand’s somewhat inexperienced bowling options.
Given Ferguson’s outstanding performance in the T20I series, his absence creates a void in New Zealand’s fast bowling lineup. As the squad gets ready for the ODI matches, they will miss his ability to capture important wickets, particularly in the middle overs.
The Blackcaps’ speed department is anticipated to receive a much-needed boost with Milne’s participation, guaranteeing that they have seasoned players available to face Sri Lanka in the forthcoming 50-over series.
