Karachi, Feb 18 (NationPress) New Zealand has faced another setback as fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a foot injury.
Ferguson experienced discomfort in his right foot after bowling in an unofficial warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday. A preliminary medical evaluation revealed that he would not be fit enough to participate in the tournament.
Considering the tournament's imminent start and its brief duration, New Zealand Cricket made the decision to send Ferguson home for rehabilitation.
Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has been named as Ferguson's replacement and will travel to Pakistan this evening.
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Event Technical Committee has approved Jamieson as a replacement.
After recovering from a 10-month injury layoff due to a stress fracture in his back, Jamieson returned to domestic cricket with the Canterbury Kings during the Super Smash in December. He played a pivotal role in leading the Kings to the Grand Final, finishing as one of the competition’s joint second-leading wicket-takers with 14 wickets, including an impressive performance of 4-12 against the Central Stags at Hagley Oval.
He also participated in Canterbury’s Round 8 Ford Trophy match against the Central Stags last week and secured a victory in Round 9 against Northern Districts in Hamilton.
Ferguson is the second Kiwi to miss the mega event; New Zealand had already lost pacer Ben Sears to a hamstring injury earlier this week, with Jacob Duffy stepping in as a replacement.
New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead expressed his disappointment regarding Ferguson's injury.
“We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” Stead mentioned. “Lockie is a crucial member of our bowling unit and possesses extensive major tournament experience. He was eager to represent New Zealand at another significant event. We wish him a swift recovery.”
Stead noted that Jamieson’s unique abilities make him an excellent replacement for Ferguson.
“Kyle brings considerable pace and additional bounce, which will be advantageous in Pakistan's conditions. Since his return in the Dream11 Super Smash, he has proven to be effective in shorter formats, showcasing real pace and energy, which is essential for a pace bowler at such a pinnacle event.
“We are pleased with his recovery progress, and his recent performances in the Ford Trophy suggest he will be ready if called upon during the tournament,” Stead added.
New Zealand will kick off their campaign against hosts Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday.
New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.