New Zealand got a big blow just before the start of the Champions Trophy 2025 as they lost their premier fast bowler, Lockie Ferguson, due to a hamstring injury. Ferguson got injured during a game while playing for Desert Vipers in the ILT20 League. However, Ferguson is not the only pacer that the Kiwis have lost ahead of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Before Lockie, it was Ben Sears who was also forced to sit on the bench in the upcoming 50-over mega event due to hamstring issues.
Ferguson has been a crucial member of the New Zealand ODI squad in the last few years. He has played 65 ODIs so far for New Zealand and has taken 99 wickets at an average of 31.55 and an economy of 5.68.
In the place of Ferguson, the New Zealand Cricket Board has selected Kyle Jamieson, who last played an ODI match for the Kiwis on 4th April 2022 vs. the Netherlands. The 30-year-old fast-bowling allrounder who made his ODI debut against India in 2020 has played just 13 matches for New Zealand. With a total of 14 wickets and 83 runs in his ODI career, Jamieson would like to leave a mark on his comeback on the international level by contributing with the bat and ball.
New Zealand has to play Pakistan in the opening encounter of the tournament on Feb 19 in the National Stadium of Karachi.
New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 Squad: Lockie Ferguson Out, Kyle Jamieson In
