NZ vs SA: Lockie Ferguson Opines Ahead Of 3rd T20I

New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson felt that New Zealand turned things around from 91 all out at the Bay Oval to 175/6 in Hamilton pitch which was testing the batters to the adaptability of the team. New Zealand bounced and roared back from first game defeat by giving South Africa a taste of their own medicine by winning the contest by a whopping 68 runs. New Zealand bounced back and Lockie Ferguson was very impressed by it.

Lockie Ferguson on team’s adaptability. 

Speaking to reporters ahead of the third T20I, Lockie Ferguson said: “I think more than anything, we talk a lot about in the Black Caps adapting to the conditions. It’s not always as easy as it sounds but certainly when a wicket we expect to play well doesn’t play as well as we think, it’s important to try and work out what a good total on that is. Sometimes you don’t get that right.” 

Ferguson added: “But at the same time, I think the Hamilton game was a good example of us adapting very quickly. Probably I thought 175 was an outstanding total on that. Although Dev probably not as fluid as he always looks, it was a challenging wicket and he got the runs that we needed and posted a great total.” 

Lockie Ferguson on getting on the park in New Zealand and rich compliments to Ben Sears as well 

For Lockie Ferguson, it was a comeback of sorts after taking the first T20I off to be at home- his wife and he had their first child during the T20 World Cup, for which he had left the squad for a few days too. Getting in the park made Ferguson happy, and watching Ben Sears pick up three wickets, the same as Ferguson, was even better.

Ferguson said: “I really miss playing in New Zealand. It was unfortunate the start of the summer with an injury. I was really looking forward to quite a lot of T20 cricket at home. I love playing in New Zealand in front of the home crowd, conditions I’m used to. So, yeah, stoked to get a game in last night. The bowling group as a collective were great. So they made my job a bit easier, the pressure from both ends.” 

Ferguson continued:  “Yeah, Sears has still got more pace in him, I think. But look, he’s bowling well. It’s good to see him get some consistent training time with us overseas. He was working on his game every training session. I saw him running in hard and working on different change-ups, different lines, asking the right questions. And it’s that development that we’ve seen in the last few years, which will stand him well in the next few years and as long as his career goes.” 

Ferguson concluded: “But a pleasure for me to watch from side on, seeing him get extra bounce, scaring some of the batters certainly. And I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes at Eden Park in the third T20I too.” 

Lockie Ferguson on what to expect from Eden Park Auckland surface and conditions

Eden Park can often be high-scoring, especially because of the short boundaries there.

Ferguson said: “Yeah, it can be daunting playing at Eden Park for sure. It’s obviously a shorter boundary, straight. The crowd feels like they’re right on your back. But the thing we get at Auckland is we get a great crowd supporting us. And we always have amazing games at cricket there. So I certainly love playing there. Every time there’s an Eden Park game, it’s when I sort or circle in the calendar to try and get there for. But yeah, an interesting style of cricket. Sometimes there’s more run outs because the ball doesn’t kind of go off the outfield as quick.” 

Wherever it is New Zealand play- for now in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch-he will have a new member in his entourage looking on.

Ferguson said: “Beau, the boy, he’s a month old. He came to his first game in Hamilton. So excited. Good from him, trialling, obviously doing some hotel stays and travel. So, I’m sure he’ll be there fizzing to get around the boys and, of course, the girls on Friday. But yeah, really great to play at home.” 

The series is nicely poised at 1-1. The third match will be at Eden Park, Auckland with all to play for in this 5-match series. Who will get the upper hand? Only time will tell.

Also Read: NZ vs SA: New Zealand Level Series 1-1 With Crushing Win