Lockie Ferguson ruled out of Sri Lanka ODIs with calf injury; Adam Milne called in as replacement
New Zealand were dealt a massive blow for their upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with pacer Lockie Ferguson being ruled out due to a left calf injury. Ferguson sustained the injury during the final T20I of the recently concluded two-match series against the Lankans.
The Black Caps lost the opening T20I by four wickets with Ferguson missing the outing. However, the 33-year-old was back for the second encounter and produced a sensational hat-trick to help the visitors pull off a thrilling five-run victory.
Ferguson left the field amid his incredible spell after only two overs, owing to feeling discomfort while bowling his second over.
The speedster will now return home to New Zealand for scans to determine the extent of his injury and the required recovery time.
Head coach Gary Stead was disappointed for Ferguson and said to the Black Caps official handle:
"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. To be ruled out so early in a tour is always tough to take, but we’re hopeful his recovery will be short and he’ll be back out on the field in no time."
Right-arm pacer Adam Milne will replace Ferguson in New Zealand's ODI squad for the three Sri Lanka ODIs. The 33-year-old last played for the side in the home T20I series against Australia earlier this year.
Mitchell Santer will also lead the ODI side for the upcoming series, which starts with the first ODI at Dambulla on Wednesday, November 13.
The final two ODIs will be played at Pallekele on November 17 and 19, respectively.
New Zealand squad for Sri Lanka ODIs
Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wk), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.