 "Kyle Jamieson in action during New Zealand's practice session. Image: Reuters")
The New Zealand cricket team has taken a major blow just a day before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with experienced fast bowler Lockie Ferguson being ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The Kiwis are all set to play the opening match of the tournament against hosts Pakistan on 19 February in Karachi. Before the big day, New Zealand have been hit hard by Ferguson’s exclusion.
Ferguson ruled out of the Champions Trophy
According to reports, Lockie Ferguson sustained the injury earlier this month while playing for the Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE. Ferguson is not the only senior member of the Kiwis side who will miss out on the Champions Trophy. Earlier, pacer Ben Sears was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Sears was replaced by Jacob Duffy.
Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson has been named as Ferguson’s replacement in New Zealand’s 15-member squad. The 30-year-old pacer has recently recovered from a long-term back injury. Jamieson is coming back into the national side after a 10-month break. Jamieson’s recent form in the Super Smash T20 competition has been promising and he is expected to play a crucial role for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025.
New Zealand’s fast-bowling line-up has significantly suffered ahead of the Champions Trophy. Ferguson is the second seamer to be ruled out within a week. This leaves Matt Henry as the only experienced fast bowler in the squad. The remaining pace attack now comprises relatively inexperienced names such as Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, and Nathan Smith, all of whom have played fewer than 15 ODIs.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsNew Zealand’s updated squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand’s fixtures
New Zealand vs. Pakistan - Wednesday, 19 February, Karachi
New Zealand vs. Bangladesh - Monday, 24 February, Rawalpindi
New Zealand vs. India - Sunday, 2 March, Dubai