Ferguson left the field after experiencing discomfort while bowling his second over and an initial medical assessment indicated that he would not be fit enough to take part in the upcoming 50-over matches, the New Zealand Cricket informed on Monday. Ferguson will return home to New Zealand for scans which will determine the extent of the injury and the period of rehabilitation required.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ferguson had completed a sensational hat-trick that helped New Zealand defend a modest total of 108 in the second T20I against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Ferguson's hat-trick marked a dramatic turnaround in a match that had initially looked to be slipping away from the Kiwis. The fast bowler\u2019s stunning performance also saw him join an exclusive list of New Zealand cricketers who have claimed a T20I hat-trick.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand\u2019s innings struggled from the outset, as they were stifled by a superb bowling effort from Sri Lanka. Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout, picking up four wickets, while Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara also made key contributions. This relentless pressure reduced New Zealand to a challenging total of just 108\/10, setting Sri Lanka up with a seemingly manageable target.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Ferguson\u2019s brilliance turned the game on its head. With Sri Lanka's chase underway, he struck on the last ball of the sixth over, dismissing Kusal Perera to leave Sri Lanka at 25\/3. Just two overs later, Ferguson went on a rampage, removing Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka off consecutive deliveries in the eighth over, completing his hat-trick and leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 34\/4.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Black Caps head coach Gary Stead said he was disappointed for Ferguson. \u201cWe\u2019re gutted for Lockie,\u201d Stead was quoted as saying by New Zealand Cricket. \u201cHe showed in the space of just two overs what an asset he is with the ball and he\u2019s also brought a lot of leadership to this group, so he\u2019ll be a big miss heading into an important ODI series for us.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTo be ruled out so early in a tour is always tough to take, but we\u2019re hopeful his recovery will be short and he\u2019ll be back out on the field in no time,\" said Stead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Black Caps' head coach however satisfied with Milne's availability for the ODI series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAdam is a like-for-like replacement who brings genuine pace and plenty of international experience, so we\u2019re looking forward to welcoming him into the group,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Black Caps' head coach however satisfied with Milne's availability for the ODI series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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