New Zealand have suffered a major blow ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening clash against Pakistan. On the eve of the match, fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the tournament. The BlackCaps in their statement said that Ferguson felt discomfort in his right foot during the informal warm-up encounter against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 17. He was ruled out of the tournament after initial medical assessment.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his disappointment over losing Ferguson's services.
“We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” said Stead in a media release. “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."
30-year-old Kyle Jamieson has been named Ferguson's replacement. Jamieson is set to make a comeback to the ODI team after going through the grind in domestic cricket. The tall pacer missed international action for 10 months after a stress fracture in the back. Stead is pleased to have Jamieson back in the mix.
“Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan,” he said.
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“He’s shown since returning in the Dream11 Super Smash how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game, and he’s bowled with real pace and energy which is what you’re looking for from a pace bowler, especially at a pinnacle event.
“We’ve been pleased with the progress he’s made since returning and we feel his loading over the past few weeks and his successful spells in the recent Ford Trophy match mean he will be good to go if required in the tournament.”
Jamieson's One-Day record
Jamieson in his last appearance took a couple of wickets from seven overs against Bangladesh. He has played 13 ODIs so far and taken 14 wickets at an average of 36.50. He is handy with the bat down the order scoring 83 runs from six innings. In List A cricket, he has taken 54 wickets from 42 games including one four-fer.
New Zealand Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 -
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
