New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka due to a fracture in his right thumb. New Zealand will not name a replacement for the pacer.
Ferguson suffered the injury during training a day prior to the first T20I in Kandy on Saturday and with subsequent x-ray, it was confirmed to be a small fracture to the middle joint.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said that it will take four to six weeks for Lockie’s recovery but is optimistic of him being available for a home T20I series against England in November.
“It’s a shame for Lockie to have to miss this series, especially coming off the back of such an impressive World Cup campaign in England. The thumb has been put in a splint and is expected to take four to six weeks to recover; so we’re optimistic he’ll be available for the five-game T20 series against England, which starts on November 1 in Christchurch.
“We won’t name a replacement at this stage as we’re confident we have adequate cover within the T20 squad who are here.” – Stead said.
New Zealand will have their second clash with Sri Lanka in Kandy on Tuesday and the final game of the three-match series is set to play on Friday.
