Ferguson ruled out of Champions Trophy
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a foot injury sustained during a warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday.
Ferguson felt pain in his right foot after bowling a spell, and an initial medical assessment confirmed he would not be fit for the remainder of the tournament.
With the Champions Trophy set to begin tomorrow and its short duration, the decision was made to send Ferguson home for rehabilitation.
To fill the gap left by Ferguson, Canterbury Kings fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will join the Blackcaps squad and depart for Pakistan this evening.
Jamieson made a successful return to domestic cricket in December after recovering from a 10-month rehabilitation for a stress fracture in his back.
Playing for Canterbury in the Dream11 Super Smash, he was instrumental in the Kings' Grand Final run, finishing as the joint second-leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets, including impressive figures of 4-12 against the Central Stags at Hagley Oval. Jamieson also featured in Canterbury's recent Ford Trophy matches, including a win over Northern Districts in Hamilton.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Ferguson's injury, emphasizing the importance of his experience and contributions to the team.
"We're really disappointed for Lockie," Stead said.
"Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience, and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event. We wish him well for his recovery and hope he is back firing soon," he added.
"Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce, which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan," he said.
"He's shown since returning in the Dream11 Super Smash how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game, and he's bowled with real pace and energy, which is what you're looking for from a pace bowler, especially at a pinnacle event.
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