NZ vs SA: Revealed - Why Is Lockie Ferguson Not Playing Today's Match Against South Africa

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson hasn’t been included in the team’s playing XI for the match against South Africa in the ICC World Cup 2023. Lockie Ferguson was replaced by veteran pacer Tim Southee in the line-up for the 32nd match of the ongoing World Cup.

Lockie Ferguson sustained an injury during the recent match against Australia in Dharamsala on October 28. The right-arm pacer left the crease after experiencing pain in his right Achilles. He bowled just three overs during the match and didn’t return to the field again.

“Lockie Ferguson is off the field after experiencing pain in his right Achilles while bowling. He won’t return to the field and will be further assessed,” NZC said in an official media release.

Tim Southee Comes In For Lockie Ferguson – Tom Latham

During the toss at the Australia-New Zealand match, Tom Latham didn’t mention the exact reason behind Lockie Ferguson’s absence but stated that there were “niggles” with the team, indicating at the pacer’s Achilles issue.

“We are going to bowl, reasonably good surface. Potential dew later on. One change, Tim Southee comes in for Lockie Ferguson. Guys are confident around the group. They have been playing fantastic crickey, going to be a good game today,” Tom Latham said.

New Zealand had an impressive start to the tournament, securing four consecutive victories. Nevertheless, they suffered back-to-back losses to India and Australia in Dharamsala. They must win at least one of the last three matches to secure a spot in the semifinal stage.

New Zealand vs South Africa Playing XI

Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bowl first at the MCA stadium in Pune on Wednesday, November 1. South Africa also made one change to their line-up, with Kagiso Rabada, who missed the last match due to injury, replacing Tabraiz Shami in the starting XI.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w/c), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Also read: NZ vs SA: Tom Latham Provides Massive Update On Availability Of Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson For Upcoming Clash