KARACHI (Kashmir English): In a major blow for the Black Caps on the eve of the ICC Champions Trophy opener against hosts Pakistan, New Zealand suffered a second injury blow on Tuesday with experienced fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury.
Kyle Jamieson will replace the 33-year-old, who got his foot injured during a T20 league last month in the UAE.
Ferguson remains the second casualty in 15-man New Zealand squad after Jacob Duffy has had to replace fellow pacer Ben Sears because of a hamstring injury. Ferguson has on his credit 99 wickets in 65 ODIs.
“We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead, whose side play hosts and defending champions Pakistan at National Stadium in Karachi in the opening match today.
“Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event.” The 30-year-old Jamieson played 13 ODIs between 2020-2023.
Pakistan and New Zealand are in Group A of the eight-nation competition, with Bangladesh and India the other teams in the group. South Africa, Australia, England and Afghanistan have been placed in Group B.
Champions Trophy schedule
February 19, Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
February 20, Bangladesh vs India, Dubai, UAE
February 21, Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
February 22, Australia vs England, Lahore
February 23, Pakistan vs India, Dubai
February 24, Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 25, Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
February 26, Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
February 27, Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
February 28, Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
March 1, South Africa vs England, Karachi
March 2, New Zealand vs India, Dubai, UAE
March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai, UAE
March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore
March 9, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
March 10, Reserve day
