Mon Nov 11 23:14:00 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson Out of ODI Series Due to Calf Injury

**Dambulla, Sri Lanka:** New Zealand’s star fast bowler, Lockie Ferguson, will miss the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka after sustaining a calf injury during the second T20I on Sunday. The 33-year-old speedster, who recently returned from a right hamstring injury, left the field after experiencing discomfort while bowling his second over.

Ferguson’s injury is a major blow for the Kiwis, who have already been struggling with injuries. He was instrumental in their series-levelling victory in the second T20I, taking a remarkable hat-trick in a successful 108-run defense.

“We’re gutted for Lockie,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead. “He showed in the space of just two overs what an asset he is with the ball, and he’s also brought a lot of leadership to this group, so he’ll be a big miss heading into an important ODI series for us.”

Ferguson will return to New Zealand for scans to determine the extent of the injury and the required rehabilitation period.

In his place, New Zealand has called up experienced fast bowler Adam Milne, who will join the squad in Dambulla on Tuesday. “Adam is a like-for-like replacement who brings genuine pace and plenty of international experience, so we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the group,” said Stead.

Milne will join an inexperienced bowling unit, alongside Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith, for the three ODIs. The series begins on Wednesday in Dambulla.

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