Last Update on: December 12th, 2019 at 08:02 pm
New Zealand debutant pacer Lockie Ferguson was sent for scans after he suffered a calf injury. Ferguson pulled his calf in the second session of the opening day’s play against Australia at Perth. The gun fast bowler could only bowl 11 overs on the first day’s play and thus it was a huge blow for the visitors. Ferguson got his maiden chance in the Test fold after New Zealand pack leader Trent Boult could not recuperate from a side strain, which he had suffered last month in the series against England.
Ferguson was sent for an MRI scan to know about the extent of the injury. The right-arm pacer could not take any further part on an opening day and his condition will be assessed before play on day two. Ferguson conceded 47 runs in the 11 overs he bowled at an economy rate of 4.27. However, Ferguson who has the skills to bowl consistently above 140 km/h didn’t have the rub of the green on his side.
The game is in the balance.
New Zealand’s batsman Tom Latham fluffed Steven Smith’s catch at second slip off Ferguson’s bowling when the batsman had scored only 19 runs.
Meanwhile, due to Ferguson’s injury, the workload on the shoulders of Neil Wagner and Tim Southee can increase. The tourists also have Matt Henry in their squad.
On the other hand, Australia finished with 248-4 after Tim Paine decided to bat first. Marnus Labuschagne continued his dream form going as the right-hander scored his third consecutive century.
The right-hander played at the top of his game and gave absolutely no chance to New Zealand’s bowling battery. The gutsy batsman also completed 1000 Test runs.
Neil Wagner took two wickets whereas Tim Southee and Colin de Grandhomme took a wicket each. Warner and Smith scored 43 runs each. Labuschagne is accompanied by Travis Head who is unbeaten on 20 runs.
