(REUTERS): New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will be out of action for between four and six weeks after suffering a back injury but does not need surgery, the country’s cricket board informed.
The injury to the left side of his back surfaced after the recent T20 series against the West Indies and subsequent scans confirmed the partial fracture. The 29-year-old pacer has already been ruled out of the upcoming T20 and test series against Pakistan.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead, in a statement, said, “We’re all really feeling for Lockie. Injuries are certainly part of our sport, but to get something like this when you’re at the very top of your game is especially disappointing.”
“The pace and skill he’s been able to consistently produce have made him one of the very best white-ball bowlers in the world and a huge asset,” the New Zealand coach added.
He further said, “Lockie has a great attitude and I know he’s up for the fight so he’ll get stuck into the rehab and we’re still hopeful he may get back on the park at the back end of summer.”
Ferguson, who is New Zealand’s quickest bowler and consistently hits the 150kph mark, was influential in the Black Caps’ opening T20 against the West Indies at Eden Park last month, claiming 5-21 in the win.
New Zealand will play three T20s and two tests against Pakistan, after which they face Australia at home in a five-match T20 series starting in late February. The ‘Black Caps’ then host Bangladesh in a limited-overs series comprising three one-day internationals and three T20s that ends on March 28.
