Latest news with #LockieFerguson
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Rockets race to comfortable win over Phoenix
The Hundred men's competition, EdgbastonBirmingham Phoenix 122-6 (100 balls): Livingstone 39 (30); Ferguson 3-20Trent Rockets 123-4 (78 balls): Banton 43 (29); Howell 2-25Rockets won by six wicketsScorecard. Table Trent Rockets cruised to a six-wicket victory over Birmingham Phoenix to get off to a winning start in The Rockets' victory was built on a sterling bowling display with New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson taking 3-20.A 63-run stand between captain Liam Livingstone and Joe Clarke helped Phoenix recover from 26-4 but their 122-6 was never likely to trouble the star Joe Root was bowled early in the chase but it did little to slow the Rockets' Tom Banton top-scored with 43 and put on 51 with Rehan Ahmed, who made an entertaining 25 from 16 balls, before an Adam Hose boundary got the 2022 champions over the line with 22 balls to spare. What is happening on Saturday? We've got four games for you on Saturday with double-headers at The Oval and in Invincibles host Manchester Originals (11:00/14:30 BST) and you can follow ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and Welsh Fire will welcome London Spirit (14:30/18:00 BST) and you will also be able to watch both of those games live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
India.com
4 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
Lockie Ferguson Returns To Action In The Hundred, Says Playing For New Zealand Still His Priority
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is all set to return to competitive cricket as he joins the Trent Rockets in The Hundred 2025, England's popular 100-ball cricket league. The Rockets will be captained by England all-rounder David Willey. Ferguson, who has battled multiple injuries in recent months, says he is now fit and looking forward to hitting the ground running. Ferguson had missed the 2025 Champions Trophy after suffering a hamstring injury while playing in the UAE's ILT20 league, and earlier, he injured his left leg during the IPL. Now fully recovered, the 34-year-old pacer will make his comeback in The Hundred. Trent Rockets are scheduled to play their first match on Friday against Birmingham Phoenix, while the tournament begins Tuesday with London Spirit vs Oval Invincibles. No Central Contract, But Strong National Commitment Although Ferguson has declined a central contract from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) this year, he insists that his commitment to the national team remains firm. In a recent interaction with HT during a media roundtable, Ferguson said, 'I'm still very committed to playing for New Zealand. I still love playing for my country. It's just about finding the balance between franchise cricket and international cricket.' Ferguson added that while franchise cricket offers many opportunities, representing his country in World Cups is still the 'pinnacle' of his career. Ferguson is not alone in this approach. Several Kiwi cricketers have opted out of central contracts or were not offered them. Players like Tim Southee (retired), Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, and Josh Clarkson are no longer under NZC contracts. Big names such as Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Ferguson himself have signed casual contracts, allowing them more flexibility to play in franchise leagues worldwide. In recent years, stars like Trent Boult and Adam Milne have also moved away from full-time national contracts to focus more on global leagues. This trend has led to concerns about the future importance of international cricket. Ferguson believes every board is trying to find a suitable balance between franchise and international cricket. He added that after his stint in The Hundred, he would return home for three upcoming series with New Zealand. 'It's nice to play in home conditions. It doesn't happen as much as before, but it's always special. World Cups still remain the highest goal,' he emphasized. With Ferguson's return, both Trent Rockets and New Zealand Cricket will be hoping he stays fit and firing as they prepare for a busy international and franchise season ahead.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Lockie Ferguson 'committed' to playing for New Zealand despite turning down central contract: 'Playing World Cups is...'
India and England produced some riveting and thrilling action across 45 days in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The five-match series ended at 2-2, and the skills that were on display once again proved why there is no sport quite like Test cricket. Several renowned cricketers from India, England and Australia view Test cricket to be the pinnacle; however, one cannot deny the reality of the current times. The growing T20 leagues around the world threaten to put international cricket at risk, with several cricketers continuing to opt out of central contracts to make themselves available for these leagues. Lockie Ferguson still prioritises playing for New Zealand(AFP) Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Trent Boult, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne are some of the biggest New Zealand stars who have let go of central contracts in recent times to make themselves available for franchise leagues all around the world. This growing trend raises questions about the sanctity of international cricket. Ferguson, who will soon be seen in The Hundred for the Trent Rockets, said he might have opted out of the central contracts list, but playing for New Zealand continues to remain his top priority as he seeks to find a perfect balance between the two. India, Australia, and England are three of the richest cricket boards, and they can offer their players good money, keeping them away from lucrative offers from various franchises all around the world. However, other boards do not have this luxury, and hence, stars from teams South Africa, New Zealand, and the West Indies are skipping international cricket and becoming globe-trotters, playing different leagues, which is becoming the norm. "I just think they're finding a balance between the two, to be honest. I think some boards sort of handle it differently. But from my point of view, I'm still very committed to playing for New Zealand. I still love playing for my country. And it's just about finding the balance, however that might be. After this, I go home and have a bit of a stint back with New Zealand. We've got three series back there," Ferguson said while replying to a Hindustan Times query during a select media roundtable. "So, hopefully take the park. As I said, it's nice to play in your home conditions. It doesn't happen as much as it used to, which is the good thing about playing a lot of franchise cricket. But yeah, I think from all points of view, playing World Cups is still very much the pinnacle. And although we enjoy playing franchise, I think getting back and playing for your nation is something special," he added. IPL owners' investment in the Hundred There's been some renewed buzz for the Hundred this year following Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners' investment in some of the teams. The GMR Group, which co-owns the Delhi Capitals team, have a stake in the Southern Brave team. The RPSG Group, which owns the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), will have a 70 percent stake in the Manchester Originals, and the Sun TV Network Limited (owners of SunRisers Hyderabad) will have a 100 percent stake in the Northern Superchargers. Reliance Group's 49 per cent stake in the Oval Invincibles is also only a matter of time. Hence, Ferguson sees exciting times ahead for the tournament. "I think it's great for the game. Obviously, first and foremost brings a lot of investment into the game, particularly in England. But, you know, clearly the IPL has run a very successful tournament for a long time," said Ferguson. "And I think the ownership groups adding that sort of knowledge and sort of making the 100 a bit more of a franchise league in that sense is exciting for the game," added the 34-year-old tearaway quick. Lastly, Ferguson also spoke highly about the Trent Rockets' squad this time around, saying the side has the arsenal to win the competition. "We've got a good squad. There's no doubt about it. A good group of lads, they've been connecting very well early on and obviously a great ground to play at. So, yeah, we'll look forward to the first game on Friday and take it from there. But certainly, a good group and I'm looking forward to getting on the park with them," said the speedster. Watch The Hundred 2025 (Men's): London Spirit vs. Oval Invincibles on 5 August 2025 from 11 PM IST live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD.
India.com
14-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
4 Players Punjab Kings Might Release Before IPL 2026 Auction: Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell And...
photoDetails english 2931838 Updated:Jul 14, 2025, 07:20 PM IST 1. Glenn Maxwell 1 / 7 Glenn Maxwell was bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs. 4.2 crore during the IPL mega auction. PBKS had high expectations from him but he had a disappointing season. The 36-year-old Maxwell scored only 48 runs and picked 4 wickets in seven matches of the IPL 2025 before getting ruled out of the tournament due to a broken finger. It's not for the first that Maxwell has disappointed an IPL team with his performance. He has had only a few good seasons in the IPL so far. Given his disappointing performance, PBKS might consider releasing Maxwell to free up funds and buy a more impactful performer during the IPL 2026 auction. Glenn Maxwell's IPL Record 2 / 7 Glenn Maxwell, who has played for multiple franchises, has scored 2819 runs in 141 IPL matches with an average of 23.88 and strike rate of 155.14 so far. He has picked 41 wickets so far. 2. Lockie Ferguson 3 / 7 Lockie Ferguson, the New Zealand pacer was picked by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for Rs. 2 crore at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. He performed decently for Punjab Kings with five wickets in four games, before getting ruled out of the IPL 2025 due to a hamstring injury. More than his performance, Punjab Kings might consider releasing Ferguson due to recurring fitness issues. He has had injury issues in the past as well. So PBKS may look for a more dependable overseas pacer during the IPL 2026 auction. Lockie Ferguson's IPL Record 4 / 7 Lockie Ferguson, who is known for his raw pace, has picked 51 wickets in 49 IPL matches with an average of 30.00 and economy rate of 8.97 so far. 3. Marcus Stoinis 5 / 7 Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was picked by Punjab Kings for Rs 11 crore during the mega auction. However, he couldn't perform upto the expectations, scoring just 160 runs in 13 matches and took only one wicket. Given his hefty price and below par performance, Punjab Kings might consider releasing Stoinis and buy a more effective all-rounder during the IPL 2026 auction. Marcus Stoinis' IPL Record 6 / 7 Marcus Stoinis, who is known for his ability to hit big sixes in the death overs, has scored 2026 runs in 109 IPL matches with an average of 28.13 and strike rate of 144.71 so far. He has picked 44 wickets as well. 4. Aaron Hardie 7 / 7 Aaron Hardie, the Australian allrounder, was picked by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for INR 1.25 Crore at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. However, he didn't play a single game during IPL 2025. With several overseas all-rounders already in the squad, PBKS might consider releasing Hardie before the IPL 2026 auction in order to free up funds and an overseas slot.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Not lifting the trophy is frustrating, but we're close': Tom Moody opens up on Desert Vipers' retentions, ILT20's evolution and road ahead
Desert Vipers have twice finished runners-up in ILT20. (Creimas) The International League T20 (ILT20) - UAE's premier franchise league - has taken a major step towards its fourth season with the announcement of player retentions. Each team was permitted to retain up to eight players ahead of the first-ever ILT20 auction, scheduled for September. Among them, Desert Vipers made the most significant move, retaining seven players from their 2025 squad - the most by any franchise - and signing USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous as their lone direct addition. The decision aligns with their philosophy of continuity and consistency. The Vipers' retained list includes Lockie Ferguson (captain), Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Max Holden, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, and Khuzaima bin Tanveer, one of UAE's fast emerging bowlers. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In an exclusive interview with Tom Moody, the team's Director of Cricket, admitted that whittling down the squad to meet the retention cap was a challenge, especially given the team's emphasis on stability and squad cohesion over the years. 'It's a very difficult process, particularly given the philosophy that we've tried to carry through from year one and that's to try to have some sort of continuity and consistency with our squad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo To build that familiarity around the environment that we're building,' he explained. 'Unfortunately, you have to make some difficult decisions.' Tom Moody with Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson in ILT20. (Creimas) Ferguson will continue as captain despite missing a few games last season due to rotation and fitness. Moody emphasised that his off-field value and leadership made him the ideal candidate. 'We think the leadership role is more than someone that is available 100% of the time. There's no guarantee the captain or any player for that matter is going to be available for 100% of the time. What Lockie could offer from a leadership perspective outweighed the fact that he might miss a game or two.' Backing Ferguson is Curran, who stepped in as captain during Lockie's absence and has impressed the management with his on-field maturity. 'Sam has got a lot of great leadership qualities and we enjoyed him taking over the reins for those few games,' Moody said. Auction focus: Pakistan players, local talent in sight Lockie Ferguson has been retained by the Desert Vipers for the fourth season of ILT2. (Creimas) The upcoming ILT20 auction will be the first of its kind for the league, and Moody's experience with player auctions in the IPL and other global leagues will be invaluable. He laid out a clear strategy - fill remaining gaps and build on existing relationships. 'We'll be looking in the auction for obvious talent that fits the voids that we have in our squad.' The Vipers have previously featured a number of Pakistan players, and Moody confirmed they remain part of the franchise's recruitment radar. 'We've had a number of Pakistan players involved with us and we've enjoyed a good relationship with them both on and off the field. They'll be a playing group that we'll be looking at closely.' The team is also closely monitoring UAE players. 'We could only retain one UAE player, and we believe Bin Tanveer is a really exciting talent. We'll be certainly looking closely at ones we've had an ongoing relationship with.' Moody warned that the auction could present unexpected challenges, but said the key lies in staying flexible and avoiding emotional decisions. 'Auction can be volatile. Players attract more attention than expected, and prices go up. It's important that you remain focused on your plan and not get caught too much in the emotion... and be well prepared with other options.' As for the Vipers' repeated heartbreaks in finals, Moody prefers to see the glass half full. Desert Vipers have retained Sam Curran for the next season of ILT20. (Creimas) 'Not taking that final step is frustrating. I'd be reluctant to think that we need to do too many things differently because I think once you as a franchise, both on and off the field, get a lot of the things right to put yourself in that consistent position of playing finals, I think it's a matter of time that you jump that final hurdle,' Moody said. 'We only have to look at the last final. It's the smallest of margins that can turn a final one way or the other... not getting too caught up in those setbacks and disappointments is important. If anything, we should celebrate that we're consistently putting ourselves in a position to win trophies.' With a solid core, measured planning, and a clear developmental pathway in place, the Desert Vipers are not just chasing silverware - they're shaping their identity as one of ILT20's most consistent teams. ILT20's impact and the Vipers' bigger picture Moody credited the ILT20 with raising the standard of cricket in the UAE, likening its role to what the IPL did for India in its early years. 'I've personally seen the development of young players with the exposure and experiences that they've had in the first three seasons. We've seen a lot of players really develop underneath our feet.' The ILT20 Development Tournament has become a key scouting ground for franchises, offering local talent a stage to perform under pressure. 'It enables us to do the necessary scouting with them performing right in front of us.' Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
