Lockie Ferguson injury news: New Zealand pacer ruled out for six weeks

Lockie Ferguson injury news: The Kiwi fast bowler had missed out on selection for the imminent series against Pakistan due to an injury.

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will remain out of action for the next six weeks after being diagnosed with a partial stress fracture to his lumbar spine. The 29-year old player will require a minimum of “four to six” weeks of rest before resuming training.

Ferguson, who wasn’t part of New Zealand’s T20I squad for the imminent T20I series against Pakistan due to the same injury, will be eyeing a comeback in the white-ball series at home against Australia and Bangladesh next year.

Having picked seven wickets in three T20Is at an average of 8, an economy rate of 6.22 and a strike rate of 7.7 including career-best bowling figures of 4-0-21-5 against West Indies in Auckland, Ferguson was the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded series.

Before resuming international cricket, Ferguson was part of Kolkata Knight Riders in Indian Premier League 2020 where he dismissed six batsmen in five T20s at an average of 24.66, an economy rate of 7.46 and a strike rate of 19.83.

Lockie Ferguson injury news

Speaking in a statement, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment at Ferguson getting injured whilst being at the “top of his game”. Stead further hopes for Ferguson to play a pivotal role for New Zealand in the later of this summer.

“We’re all really feeling for Lockie [Ferguson]. Injuries are certainly part of our sport, but to get something like this when you’re at the very top of your game is especially disappointing. The pace and skill he’s been able to consistently produce has made him one of the very best white-ball bowlers in the world and a huge asset for the Blackcaps.

“Lockie has a great attitude and I know he’s up for the fight so he’ll get stuck into the rehab and we’re still hopeful he may get back on the park at the back end of summer,” Stead said.