New Zealand pace bowler Lockie Ferguson was sidelined due to an injury. He is now back in action and ready to contribute to their critical World Cup showdown against Pakistan on November 4. Ferguson's brief absence was prompted by a minor Achilles issue that forced him to exit the game against Australia on October 28. Regrettably, this setback led to his absence in the match against South Africa. Despite an impressive chase of 358, the runners-up from the previous edition faced a substantial 190-run loss, marking their third consecutive defeat following four consecutive victories.
"Lockie Ferguson’s scan on his right Achilles revealed no significant damage and it’s hoped he’ll be available for Saturday’s game against Pakistan in Bengaluru," New Zealand cricket said in a statement.
The New Zealand squad is facing a string of injuries, presenting them with a difficult scenario as the World Cup approaches its decisive phase. This injury list includes five players, with their captain Kane Williamson (thumb) among them. In addition to Ferguson and Mark Chapman, who were already on the mend, Matt Henry and James Neesham also suffered injuries on Wednesday, with Henry specifically dealing with a hamstring issue.
"Matt Henry will undergo an MRI scan in the next 24 hours to ascertain the extent of the injury to his right hamstring," NZC said.
"Henry came from the field after experiencing tightness during his sixth over and did not return.
"An update on Matt Henry’s scan will be provided once the results have been received and assessed," it added.
X-ray clears Neesham of any broken bones.
Giving an update on Neesham, NZC said: "Jimmy Neesham is nursing a bruised right wrist after he was struck by the ball while bowling in the first innings.
"The injury saw Neesham slide down the batting order to number nine, but an X-ray has cleared him of any broken bones," he added.
The board also said, "Chapman and Williamson will be assessed again in Bengaluru ahead of Saturday’s penultimate round-robin match."
New Zealand will arrive in Bengaluru from Pune on the afternoon of November 2.
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