A calf tear has ruled out Lockie Ferguson of New Zealand

New Zealand’s Super 12 campaign in the current ICC T20 World Cup was dealt a major setback even before the event began, as in-form fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out due to a calf rupture. Ferguson took 13 wickets in eight games for Kolkata Knight Riders, helping them reach the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season, which finished just before the start of the T20 World Cup.

“Ferguson noticed discomfort in his right calf after training Tuesday night, and an MRI scan on game day indicated a grade two tear that would take three to four weeks to recover from,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

Before the knockout stage begins, New Zealand will play five group games over the next two weeks. Ferguson had no choice but to be ruled out of the competition, according to New Zealand coach Gary Stead.

“Having this happen on the eve of the tournament is a great shame for Lockie, and the entire squad is really hurting for him right now,” Stead said.

Ferguson will be replaced in the 15-player tournament roster by Adam Milne, according to Stead, pending permission by the ICC Technical Committee.

“He’s a big part of our T20 side and has been in great form, so losing him now is a big loss. “However, we are lucky to have a like-for-like substitute in the form of Adam Milne, who has been training with the team for the past two weeks,” Stead was cited in the announcement as saying.

In their first match of the season, New Zealand takes on Pakistan in Sharjah on Tuesday.