A massive setback for New Zealand team, the sheer pacer Lockie Ferguson is ruled out of ICC CT 2025. Lockie Ferguson had suffered hamstring injury while participating in ILT20 league. Lockie Ferguson was a part of 2019 & 2023 ODI WCs and his ability to generate pinpoint yorkers & off-cutters irked the batters.
Lockie Ferguson has played 65 ODIs until now. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) & head coach Gary Stead was quite optimistic that Lockie would be fit for their opening clash against Pakistan on 19th February at Karachi. Lockie didn’t take part in recently concluded Tri Series and had bowled only 3 overs in the warm up game against Afghanistan.
Lockie Ferguson injury a chance to Kyle Jamieson
New Zealand have recalled the lanky pacer Kyle Jamieson into the ODI setup. Kyle Jamieson had represented Kiwis in September 2023 while playing against England. ICC have confirmed that Kyle Jamieson will replace the injured pacer Lockie Ferrguson. Already, the Black Caps is missing the services of Ben Sears who got injured during Tri Series.
Apart from Matt Henry, the bowling attack of New Zealand is vastly inexperienced. Even Kyle Jamieson has only played 13 ODIs. Though Kyle Jamieson can generate steep bounce as his height is 6 feet 8 inches. In the Super Smash T20 competition, Jamieson had taken 14 wickets in 12 innings with an economy rate of 5.95.
Critical tournament for New Zealand
There is no official update that why Black Caps didn’t pick James Neesham in the squad. He is a batting all-rounder but his 5-7 overs could have been handy. Lockie Ferguson had also opted out of central contract to explore franchise opportunities just like Neesham. Kyle Jamieson can be ruthless with the new ball along with Matt Henry but the likes of Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy & William O’Rourkee need to be utilized smartly in the middle overs phase.
It won’t be wrong to say that the conditions of Pakistan are not that much alien for New Zealand as they won Tri Series. New Zealand won all of their matches & defeated Pakistan twice in the competition. Skipper Mitchell Santner would be keen to keep the winning run continue as there are high hopes from Kiwis to win ICC CT 2025 after 2000 edition despite having a topsy-turvy bowling attack.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 : Lockie Ferguson Doubtful For Champions Trophy With Injury