Lockie Ferguson withdrew from New Zealand’s Champions Trophy campaign due to a foot injury which struck on Tuesday creating a crucial setback for the Black Caps before their match against Pakistan.
New Zealand Cricket reported that Lockie Ferguson experienced foot pain following his bowling performance in Sunday’s Afghanistan warm-up match which led doctors to determine that the 31-year-old would be unable to participate in the full tournament.
New Zealand Cricket has sent the injured player home while calling up Canterbury Kings fast bowler Kyle Jamieson who is scheduled to travel to Pakistan soon.
Gary Stead the head coach expressed deep disappointment over Lockie’s situation.
Lockie plays a crucial role in the bowling team because of his major tournament experience and his strong desire to represent New Zealand again at a major event.
Jamieson got back into domestic cricket in December after spending 10 months sidelined because of a back stress fracture.
Stead noted that Kyle’s fast bowling combined with substantial bounce will adapt well to Pakistani pitches.
Since his return he has demonstrated his effectiveness in shorter formats through fast and energetic bowling which exemplifies ideal pace bowler attributes during major events.
Ben Sears will not participate with New Zealand because he has a hamstring injury.
The Champions Trophy now lacks Ferguson who joins India’s Jasprit Bumrah and South Africa’s Anrich Nortje along with Australia’s Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood due to injury withdrawals.