Adam Milne named as replacement for injured Lockie Ferguson in New Zealand’s squad

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to a calf tear. Adam Milne, who recently played for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, has been named as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson.

According to a press release from New Zealand Cricket Board, Lockie Ferguson felt discomfort and tightness in his right calf following training session. He was taken for MRI scans where it was revealed that he has suffered from a grade two tear which will require atleast four weeks recovery.

New Zealand Head Coach Gary Stead said that Lockie Ferguson is gutted to miss out playing for the national side in the T20 World Cup. He bowled exceedingly well for Yorkshire in this year’s Vitality T20 Blast competition.

Adam Milne was first-choice to replace injured Lockie Ferguson in the New Zealand’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. With Lockie Ferguson, New Zealand has suffered a huge blow he was designated bowler for the death overs for the showpiece event.

Lockie Ferguson played for New Zealand in the both warm-up matches to prepare well for the T20 World Cup. He produced an excellent performance and finished with figures of 1 for 19 in his four overs.

Last year, Ferguson was ruled out of action due to stress fracture in his back. Recently, Lockie Ferguson played eight matches for Kolkata Knight Riders in this year’s Indian Premier League. He was instrumental in helping Kolkata qualify for the finals of the competition. He finished the competition with 13 wickets at an excellent economy rate of 7.46.

Besides Ferguson, Milne played a couple of matches for Mumbai Indians and did well with the ball in hand.

New Zealand will kick-start their World Cup campaign with a game against Pakistan at Sharjah. Adam Milne will not be available as ICC technical committee has to give approval. On 31^st October, New Zealand will take on India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.