Huge blow for New Zealand: Lockie Ferguson ruled out of cricketing action

On Monday, November 11, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) made an announcement about the right-arm express pacer Lockie Ferguson suffering an injury.

The injury picked up by Lockie Ferguson is a serious one and it has ruled him out of the upcoming ODI series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team.

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Lockie Ferguson bagged a hat-trick against Sri Lanka

Lockie Ferguson featured in the New Zealand playing XI on Sunday, November 10, in the second T20I of the two-match series against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team in Dambulla.

He was exceptional with the ball in the two overs he bowled as he managed to bag a hat-trick across two overs. After being bowled out for 108, the Kiwi bowlers had to do something extraordinary to register a win, and Lockie Ferguson led from the front.

On the last ball of his first over, Ferguson dismissed Kusal Perera caught behind. Then, in his second over, the express pacer dismissed Kamindu Mendis (LBW) and Charith Asalanka (caught behind) on the first two deliveries to complete a sensational hat-trick.

It was the second time in 2024 that the Kiwi pacer had delivered a magical performance as earlier in the year, he registered sensational figures of 3/0 from four overs against Papua New Guinea in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Lockie Ferguson became 5th New Zealand bowler to pick a hat-trick

Notably, Ferguson had become just the fifth New Zealand bowler to pick up a men's T20I hat-trick. He joined Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Michael Bracewell, and Matt Henry in the elite list. Tim Southee is the only bowler of New Zealand to bag two hat-tricks in T20Is.

After picking up the hat trick, Ferguson left the field as he experienced discomfort and didn't bowl any further in the match. Now, the NZC has announced the result of the medical assessment.

He has suffered a left calf injury and will be sent back home for scans which will determine the full extent of the injury. To deal with his absence, the Black Caps have added Adam Milne to the squad.

We’re gutted for Lockie - Gary Stead

In an official media release, the New Zealand National Cricket Team head coach Gary Stead said that they are devasted to lose an asset like Lockie Ferguson for the series against Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. However, he expressed confidence in Adam Milne to fill his shoes. He elaborated:

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the three-match ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played on November 13, 17 and 19.