New Zealand to Miss Lockie Ferguson in ODI Series Against Sri Lanka

A big setback has hit the New Zealand camp. Lockie Ferguson, the hero of New Zealand’s victory in the final T20 against Sri Lanka, will miss the upcoming ODI series due to injury. The pacer has been ruled out after suffering a muscle strain in his leg during the last match. Adam Milne has been called up as his replacement.

Ferguson had to leave the field during his second over in the second T20 against Sri Lanka on Sunday after feeling discomfort. He did not bowl again after that. Initial assessments revealed that he is not fit enough for the 50-over format. Ferguson will return to New Zealand for a scan and a more detailed evaluation of his injury.

Adam Milne, who has been named as Ferguson’s replacement, is set to join the squad in Dambulla tomorrow. Expressing his disappointment, Black Caps head coach Gary Stead commented, “We’re disappointed for Lockie.”

He added, “He showed in just two overs how crucial he is for us. We’ll definitely miss him in the ODI series, but we’re hopeful he’ll be back on the field soon.”

In the recent T20 match, Ferguson bowled two overs, conceding only seven runs and taking three wickets, earning him the Player of the Match award. New Zealand managed to level the series 1-1 by defeating Sri Lanka by five runs in that game.

The three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka is set to begin on Wednesday in Dambulla.