Dambulla: On a high after levelling the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a thrilling win on Sunday, New Zealand will be deprived of the services of key pacer Lockie Ferguson for the ODI leg of the tour.
Ferguson, who picked up a hat-trick in the second T20I to spur the Kiwis to a sensational win, had left the field due to some discomfort while bowling his second over in the game and would not be fit enough to take part in the upcoming ODIs.
Adam Milne has been called into the squad as Ferguson’s replacement, an ICC report said.
“We’re gutted for Lockie,” head coach Gary Stead said.
“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," Stead said.
“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," he said.
Ferguson will return home to New Zealand today for scans to determine the extent of the injury and the period of rehabilitation required.