Picture Credit: NZC
New Zealand have been handed a major blow ahead of their T20 World Cup 2021 opener against Pakistan on Tuesday. BLACKAPS have confirmed that their star pacer Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf tear.
"Ferguson felt tightness in his right calf following training last night (Tuesday) and a subsequent MRI scan on game-day revealed a grade two tear which would require three to four weeks recovery," an official statement said.
Reflecting on the same, Kiwi coach Gary Stead said, “It’s a real shame for Lockie to have this happen on the eve of the tournament and the entire team is really feeling for him right now."
Adam Milne set to replace Ferguson
With Lockie Ferguson out, right-arm pacer Adam Milne (who is a part of reserves) is set to be included in 15-memeber squad for New Zealand, subject to approval by the ICC Technical Committee.