Lockie Ferguson and Kyle Jamieson [Source: @CallMeSheri1, @RcbianOfficial/x.com]
In what comes as a setback for the New Zealand camp, their x-factor pace bowler, Lockie Ferguson, has suffered an injury during his latest appearance in the ILT20 2025. The 32-year-old pacer pulled up mid-over during his appearance against the Dubai Capitals and walked off the field.
An update on his injury status is yet to arrive. However, Gary Stead, the head coach of the New Zealand international team, has stated that Ferguson has undergone scans, and the team is still waiting for a detailed medical report. The availability of the bowler for the upcoming tours will depend on the timeline of his recovery.
This could be a setback for the Kiwis as they will not be able to give one of their vital cogs enough game time in the ODIs before the Champions Trophy 2025. The situation could worsen if Ferguson gets ruled out from the tournament. If Ferguson fails to participate in the Champions Trophy, three players can replace him in the New Zealand squad.
3. Kyle Jamieson
Why Kyle Jamieson Could Be A Good Replacement Of Lockie Ferguson?
The right-arm medium pace bowler and a handy batter lower down the order, Kyle Jamieson could be a valuable inclusion in place of Lockie Ferguson. Jamieson has been out of the main scheme of things for the past few years; however, when he burst onto the international scenario, he was admired for his consistent line and length.
Matches | Wickets | Economy | Strike Rate | Average |
---|---|---|---|---|
12 | 14 | 5.95 | 18.85 | 18.71 |
Table - Kyle Jamieson's Bowling Record in Super Smash 2024-25
In the recently concluded Super Smash, Jamieson found a good rhythm with the ball. Besides his bowling, Jamieson could be a vital inclusion, keeping his batting abilities in mind.
2. Henry Shipley
Henry Shipley [Source: @BLACKCAPS/x.com]
Why Henry Shipley Could Be A Good Replacement Of Lockie Ferguson?
The right-arm medium-fast bowler could also be a great inclusion in place of Lockie Ferguson. Henry Shipley can bowl with variations in the important phases of the game, which could be vital for New Zealand in the tournament, especially in the sub-continent playing conditions.
Matches | Wickets | Economy | Strike Rate | Average |
---|---|---|---|---|
8 | 12 | 8.04 | 11.00 | 14.75 |
Table - Henry Shipley's Bowling Record in Super Smash 2024-25
Shipley has not played much of 50-over games recently. However, he was in nice form and rhythm during the recently concluded Super Smash. If he can translate his T20 form into the fifty overs, Shipley could emerge as one of the trump cards for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.
1. Blair Tickner
Blair Tickner on the right [Source: @BLACKCAPS/x.com]
Why Blair Tickner Could Be A Good Replacement Of Lockie Ferguson?
Blair Tickner, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, could be the best replacement for Lockie Ferguson in the New Zealand Champions Trophy Squad.
Matches | Wickets | Economy | Strike Rate | Average |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 16 | 9.21 | 12.00 | 18.43 |
Table - Blair Tickner's Bowling Record in Super Smash 2024-25
Tickner has been in brilliant form in Super Smash 2024-25 and also in the ongoing Ford Trophy season. So, Tickner has the form and rhythm in the limited-overs and could be the perfect replacement for Ferguson in the New Zealand squad.