On Monday, November 11, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced that right-arm fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has suffered an injury.
The injury suffered by Lockie Ferguson is serious and it has ruled him out of the upcoming ODI. series Against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team.
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Loki Ferguson scored a hat-trick against Sri Lanka
Lockie Ferguson named his New Zealand XI in the second T20I of the two-match series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team in Dambulla on Sunday, November 10.
He was exceptional with the ball in his two overs as he managed a hat-trick in two innings. After reaching 108, the Kiwi bowlers had to do something extraordinary to celebrate victory, with Lockie Ferguson leading from the front.
On the last ball of his first innings, Ferguson left Kusal Perera behind. Then, in the second over, pacer Kamindu Mendis (LBW) and Charith Asalanka (caught behind) in the first two deliveries to complete a sensational hat-trick.
It was the second time in 2024 that the Kiwi pacer produced a magical performance like earlier in the year, when he recorded sensational figures of 3/0 from four wickets against Papua New Guinea in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.
Lockie Ferguson became the 5th New Zealand bowler to take a hat-trick
Notably, Ferguson became the fifth New Zealand bowler to take a men’s T20I hat-trick. attended Jacob OramTim Southee, Michael Bracewell and Matt Henry in the elite list. Tim Southee is the only New Zealand bowler to take two hat-tricks in T20Is.
After scoring a hat-trick, Ferguson left the field in discomfort and did not score any more goals in the match. Now the NZC has released the outcome of the medical assessment.
He suffered a left calf injury and will be sent home for tests to determine the full extent of the injury. He added the Black Hats to deal with his absence Adam Milne to the staff.
Lockie – We’re pissed off for Gary Stead
In an official media release, New Zealand National Cricket Team head coach Gary Stead said that they are disappointed to lose an asset like Lockie Ferguson for the series against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. However, he said he believes he will fill Adam Milne’s shoes. He elaborated:
“We’re pissed off about Lockie. He’s shown how active he is with the ball just twice and he’s also brought a lot of leadership to this group, so he’ll be sorely missed heading into an important ODI series for us.
“It’s always difficult to be ruled out so early in the tour, but we’re hopeful that his recovery will be short and he’ll be back on the pitch soon.
“Adam is a unique replacement who brings real pace and a wealth of international experience, so we look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
Meanwhile, the three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played on November 13, 17 and 19.
