SL vs NZ 2024: Lockie Ferguson ruled out of ODI leg due calf injury

A calf injury has forced New Zealand’s in-form pacer Lockie Ferguson to miss the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which is a major blow for the team. The injury was sustained by the seasoned player on Sunday, November 10, during the second Twenty20 International match against Sri Lanka.

In the second Twenty20 International, Ferguson bowled a brilliant performance, finishing with figures of 3/7 in two overs after claiming a hat-trick. During his ferocious performance, Ferguson dismissed Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Perera. In order to even the series, New Zealand triumphed by five runs, and the right-arm pacer was named Player of the Match. He was supposed to be a major contributor in the ODI leg, but the injury has made it necessary for him to watch the games from the sidelines.

Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, stated that Ferguson, 33, is not only a valuable player with the ball but also contributes more to the team with his leadership skills, recognizing the enormous gap that his absence will create.

We are devastated for Lockie Ferguson.

Stead will be a huge loss for us going into a crucial ODI series because he demonstrated in only two overs how valuable he is with the ball and how much leadership he has given to this team,” India Today reported.

“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,” he said.

Adam Milne is an equivalent substitute: Gary Stead

Ferguson, who became just the fifth Kiwi bowler to record a hat-trick in men’s Twenty20 Internationals, will now go back home to determine the severity of his injuries and how long he needs to recover. Stead’s comparison of the two bowlers led to the inclusion of Adam Milne in the team as Ferguson’s replacement.

We are eager to have Adam join the team since he is a like-for-like replacement who has real pace and a wealth of international experience, Stead said.

Also Read: Sri Lanka announce ODI and T20I teams for New Zealand series

The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla will host the first ODI on Wednesday, November 13. The final two ODIs, on November 17 and 19, respectively, will take place in Pallekele.