T20 World Cup 2021: Setback for New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson exits due to injury

New Zealand suffered a setback before their crucial ICC T20 World Cup match against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates with pacer Lockie Ferguson being ruled out of the tournament after he suffered a calf tear.

According to the team management, Ferguson felt a tightness in his right calf after training on Monday night following which he underwent an MRI scan. The results of the scan revealed a grade two tear, which would require the pacer to go through a three to four-week recovery period.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead conceded that Ferguson's exit was a major blow for the team which is playing five group stage matches in two weeks. Stating that Ferguson was a major part of the T20 team and had been in good form, Stead said the entire team was upset about the 30-year-old exiting the tournament due to injury.

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Right-arm fast bowler Adam Milne will replace Ferguson in the squad. To recall, Ferguson was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team and played eight games in the second leg of the Indian Premier League season in the UAE. He picked up 13 wickets at an economy of 7.46. 

New Zealand began their T20 World Cup outing against Pakistan. Milne will have to wait till the ICC technical committee approves the replacement. The team will face India on October 31.

Also Read: Most matches as captain in ICC T20 World Cup

• Lockie Ferguson
• New Zealand
• T20 World Cup 2021
• Cricket
• ICC