NZ pacer Lockie Ferguson ruled out of 20-20 World Cup due to calf injury

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the 20-20 World Cup. The pacer felt some discomfort in the calf and underwent scans that revealed a Grade 2 tear, which will take two to four weeks to heal.

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New Zealand are set to play five games in the coming two weeks thus the management decided to leave out Ferguson from the squad. It’s a big loss for the Kiwis as Ferguson had played and performed well in the second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that preceded the 20-20 World Cup in the same country. Meanwhile, fast bowler Adam Milne is likely to replace Ferguson in the squad.

“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,” New Zealand coach Gary 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.

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“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."

Stead revealed that Milne will be added to the squad following approval of the apex body’s technical committee. If approved, Milne will be available for selection for New Zealand’s game against India on October 31.

"Milne is already in the UAE with the team having been selected in the squad as travelling injury cover, but won’t be available to play until ICC approval has been received making him unavailable for today’s match against Pakistan in Sharjah," read the NZC statement, issued minutes before the toss.

Meanwhile, New Zealand open their 20-20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan today, October 26. Several Pakistan fans and experts are looking at this match as an opportunity to seek revenge for New Zealand’s withdrawal from the Pakistan tour due to security issues earlier this year.