Lockie Ferguson’s promising tour was cut short by an untimely calf injury, just after becoming New Zealand’s sixth bowler to claim a T20 hat-trick. Ferguson’s hat-trick in just 12 deliveries powered New Zealand to a narrow five-run victory over Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Sunday, levelling the series 1-1. The 33-year-old was forced to leave the field early due to the injury but had already left his mark with his remarkable performance.
Ferguson will now return to New Zealand for scans and rehabilitation, ruling him out of the upcoming three-match ODI series, which begins Wednesday in Dambulla. His exit marks another setback following his recent recovery from a right hamstring injury. Head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Ferguson’s early withdrawal but remains optimistic about a quick recovery.
Adam Milne has been named as Ferguson’s replacement and will join the ODI squad, strengthening the bowling lineup that includes Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith. Talking about Milne’s addition, Stead stated, “ Adam is a like-for-like replacement who brings genuine pace and plenty of international experience, so we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the group.”
