Ferguson ruled out of ODI series against Sri Lanka after injury

COLOMBO: New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson has been sidelined for the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Sri Lanka following a calf strain sustained during the second Twenty20 (T20) match between the two teams. The injury occurred soon after Ferguson’s remarkable achievement, becoming New Zealand’s sixth bowler to secure a T20 hat-trick. His efforts helped New Zealand clinch a narrow five-run victory in Dambulla on Sunday, leveling the series 1-1.

Following the injury, Ferguson will return to New Zealand for scans and rehabilitation, ruling him out of the three-match ODI series starting Wednesday in Dambulla.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Ferguson’s absence, stating, “We’re gutted for Lockie. He showed in the space of just two overs what an asset he is with the ball, and he’s also brought a lot of leadership to this group, so he’ll be a big miss heading into an important ODI series for us.”

Adam Milne has been named as Ferguson’s replacement. Stead added, “Adam is a like-for-like replacement who brings genuine pace and plenty of international experience, so we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the group.”

The ODI series against Sri Lanka presents a crucial test for New Zealand as they work to adjust their bowling attack in Ferguson’s absence.