Ferguson Ruled Out of Champions Trophy with Foot Injury

KARACHI: New Zealand has suffered a major setback ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against hosts Pakistan, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the tournament due to a foot injury. Ferguson, 33, had been recovering from a hamstring injury sustained earlier this month during a T20 tournament in the UAE. However, after experiencing pain in his right foot following a warm-up match against Afghanistan on Sunday, a medical assessment confirmed he would not be fit for the duration of the tournament.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has opted to send Ferguson home and replace him with Canterbury Kings fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, although Jamieson will not be available for Wednesday’s match against Pakistan.

In addition to Ferguson’s injury, all-rounder Rachin Ravindra could also miss the Group A clash as he continues to recover from a blow to his forehead sustained in a tri-series match in Lahore earlier this month.

“We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” said New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead. “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.” The loss of Ferguson is a significant blow to the Black Caps as they head into the highly anticipated match.(Reuters)