Lockie Ferguson Calls Fast Bowling Similar To A Marathon

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is one of the fast bowlers of today. In limited-overs cricket, Lockie Ferguson remains a massive part of their bowling attack and not only relies on bowling fast but also accuracy and movement. The right-arm speedster, who recorded a five-wicket haul in the first T20I against the West Indies on Friday, underlined that fast bowling is like a marathon.

West Indies had got off to a blazing start in Auckland in the first T20 international, plundering more than 50 overs within three overs. It was Lockie Ferguson’s burst that dented the tourists’ innings as he claimed the wickets of Andre Fletcher, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Fabian Allen, and Keemo Paul. Not only did the Kiwis emerged victorious but Ferguson also earned man of the match for his 4-0-21-5. Captain Kieron Pollard starred for the tourists with an unbeaten 37-ball 75.

Lockie Ferguson underlined that all fast bowlers go through different levels of injuries and hardships; however, his massive learning was the bowling loads, which was discussed quite a lot. The 28-year old feels that, yet, the level of education has not gone down to the amateur athletes as it should have by now.

“Yeah, so definitely a huge learning for me. All fast bowlers go through different levels of injuries, severities but for me certainly, a big learning was the bowling loads which was talked about a lot. Potentially the education still has not transferred it down to amateur athletes as much as it should. But, for me personally, when I sort of laid out for you, fast bowling is like a marathon,” Ferguson told ESPN Cricinfo.

You don’t go out tomorrow to run a marathon like that: Lockie Ferguson

While labelling fast bowling like a marathon, Lockie Ferguson highlighted that one does not go out on a marathon just like that. The Auckland-born paceman said that an athlete needs to build themselves gradually step by step that is segregated into three levels.

“You don’t go out tomorrow to run a marathon, of course, you’re going to hurt yourself, be sore, and potentially get an injury. Fast bowling is very similar in a way, where you need to build up to that 42 Kps, 35 overs a week. It starts from level one that includes walking in and bowl, level 2 which is sort of 60 per cent, and level three 80 per cent,” he added.

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