New Zealand's bowling unit has struggled throughout the World Cup, and captain Kane Williamson is hoping that the return of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will inject some much-needed firepower into the side. Ferguson has been sidelined for the past two matches due to a right Achilles injury, but his return could be crucial for New Zealand as they face Sri Lanka in a must-win match on November 9.
Alongside new ball pair Trent Boult and Tim Southee, Ferguson is expected to form a formidable pace attack that will be tasked with stifling Sri Lanka's batsmen and securing a vital victory.
"He (Ferguson) balances out our attack nicely and made some really valuable contributions in the tournament and brings a bit of experience as well. So, naturally comes in and bowls with that high pace and it complements our new ball bowlers. So, we'll have to have a look at the surface and decide on our balance," said Williamson during the pre-match press meet.
Williamson expressed confidence in left-arm pacer Boult to deliver in the high-stakes match against Sri Lanka.
Boult has managed to secure 10 wickets from eight matches in the tournament, but he has struggled to make the usual impact with the new ball as he often does.
"He's world class. The second half (of WC) or a few of these games that we've had, the pitches have been very good and players have been playing well. It can be quite dependent on the assistance you might get as well with the new ball."
"He's very experienced and has done that on a number of occasions. There's another opportunity tomorrow for the guys to go out and operate and try and apply their skills," he added.
Williamson commended batsman Rachin Ravindra for his remarkable consistency in the tournament. The 23-year-old has accumulated 523 runs from eight matches and achieved a unique feat for a New Zealand batter in the prestigious event.
"He is clearly an amazing talent and just entered the side and walk into a World Cup and not just any World Cup but here in India and do what he's done is amazing.
"We sort of knew the talent was there, but to come out and repeat and be one of the players of the tournament so far, not only with the bat, but he's also making really valuable contributions with the ball. He is a very special player," he continued.
The 33-year-old also praised Glenn Maxwell for his outstanding innings against Afghanistan. Maxwell's unbeaten 201 played a pivotal role in Australia's thrilling three-wicket victory and secured their place in the semifinals.
"An incredibly special knock. Yeah, not just obviously the runs specifically but the situation and he was clearly struggling physically and to be able to pull that off and in a partnership with Pat Cummins is without a doubt one of the great World Cup victories for Australia and probably for any team to witness.”
However, Williamson was also quick to offer his commiserations to the Afghans.
"At the same time, a tough one for Afghanistan. They've been excellent and, you know, probably won sort of 80 - 90% of that game.”
"And as we know in white ball cricket, it can change quickly. And that was an amazing example of that and a special knock to watch,” the Black Caps captain concluded.
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