Lockie Ferguson Gets Maiden Call-Up To New Zealand Test Squad

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson who had been knocking on the door for a while now finally gets positive news. He has received his maiden Test call-up after being listed in the team’s 15-man squad for their upcoming series against England and Australia.

The fast bowler has been a familiar figure in the team’s limited-overs sides of late. It is worth mentioning here that he played an instrumental role in 50-over team’s journey to the final of the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. With subtle bowling variations of good line and length, he was able to rip through the defence of the opposition batsmen and he successfully came out on top by taking 21 wickets to his name.

Lockie Ferguson possesses a quality bowling skillset: Gavin Larsen 

The 28-year-old has been statistically very good in numbers. He boasts a staggering first-class record, having taken 153 wickets from 42 games at an average of 24.30. “It’s well documented he has raw pace, but he also possesses a quality bowling skillset and has proved his durability,” selector Gavin Larsen said while praising Lockie Ferguson.

“He showed good form against England in the recent T20 series and backed that up with a solid outing for the Auckland Aces in the Plunket Shield, where he claimed four for 23 against the Wellington Firebirds. Our pace bowling stocks are strong at the moment and we feel Lockie will add another dimension to the picture and will create some great competition,” he added in a statement.

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Kiwi captain Kane Williamson was unavailable to take part in England T20Is due to a hip injury. Tim Southee led the team in Kane’s absence and unfortunately, New Zealand lost the T20I series 2-3 at the hands of the visitors. Now that Kane Williamson is fit to captain the side, New Zealand players can breathe a sigh of relief.

Todd Astle a professional leg-spinner has been added in the squad besides Ferguson’s inclusion. Meanwhile, finger-spinners Will Somerville and Ajaz Patel were excluded from the set-up. The first Test between New Zealand and England will go all guns blazing on November 21 Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling