Star New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the entire ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE with a calf tear. It is a massive blow for the Black Caps, who begin their campaign against Pakistan tonight in Sharjah.
Ferguson felt tightness in his right calf following training last night and a subsequent MRI scan on game-day revealed a grade two tear which would require three to four weeks recovery. With New Zealand scheduled to play five league games in the next 13 days, there was no option other than leaving Lockie Ferguson out.
BLACKCAPS paceman Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE with a calf tear. Ferguson will be replaced in the 15-player tournament squad by Adam Milne subject to approval by the ICC Technical Committee. #T20WorldCup https://t.co/eFOVE9J1NI
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 26, 2021
Head coach Gary Stead said it is a real shame to miss out on Lockie Ferguson for the entire ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
“It’s a real shame for Lockie to have this happen on the eve of the tournament and the entire team is really feeling for him right now,” Stead said.
“He’s a massive part of our T20 side and has been in such good form – so to lose him at this time is a blow,” he added.
Adam Milne to replace Lockie Ferguson
Meanwhile, New Zealand have brought in a like-for-like replacement in Adam Milne in place of Lockie Ferguson.
“However, we are fortunate to have a like for like replacement in the form of Adam who has been with the squad training for the past two weeks,” Gary Stead concluded.
Adam Milne is already in the UAE with the team having been selected in the squad as travelling injury cover. However, he won’t be available to play until ICC approval has been received making him unavailable for today’s Group Two match against Pakistan in Sharjah.
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