Lockie Ferguson set to return for T20 World Cup 2022 opener against Australia

Lockie Ferguson (Source: Twitter)

The tearaway speedster Lockie Ferguson is tipped to make an international comeback in the T20 World Cup 2022 opener against Australia on Saturday (October 22) in Sydney.

Earlier this month, Ferguson sustained a minor abdominal injury and was ruled out of the recently concluded Tri-series involving New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The team management was very careful to rest the pacer due to his tryst with injuries, and give him sufficient time to recover for the showpiece tournament. 

The 31-year-old missed T20 World Cup 2021 due to a calf tear. His absence certainly affected the team's final position, as the Kiwi team lost the semi-finals to Pakistan. 

In this regard, the NZ head coach Gary Stead has affirmed that Ferguson will be featuring for the team in a mouth-watering clash against Australia. He added that the intensity of the pacer, along with his line length has pleased him, and reminded him of the 'Lockie of old'. 

“He’s definitely on track for the SCG. He bowled really well when we had a session out in the middle before [Friday’s Tri-series final] and we’re excited where he was at, so really pleased with how he’s coming along.

“He was right up at the level three level, which is as high as you can get, and it looked like the Lockie of old.”

Ferguson's last international appearance came against Australia last month in an ODI fixture, wherein he finished with figures of 1/56. 

Talking about team's performances, New Zealand emerged as the runner-up in the Tri-series after losing to Pakistan by five wickets on Friday. 

The Kane Williamson-led side will feature in warm-up games against South Africa (October 17) and India (October 19). 

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