Kyle Jamieson set to play for NZ after recovery (Source:@mufaddal_vohra,x.com)
New Zealand’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has suffered a major setback, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out due to a foot injury. Ferguson’s raw pace and experience have been vital for the Black Caps, and his absence raises concerns about the team’s bowling strength. In response, the New Zealand selectors have called up Kyle Jamieson, a towering fast bowler who brings a different but equally potent threat to the attack.
Who Is Kyle Jamieson?
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches, Kyle Jamieson is one of the tallest fast bowlers among the active cricketers. His height allows him to generate awkward bounce, making life difficult for batters. However, what often catches opponents off guard is his ability to deliver a deceptively sharp fuller ball.
Born in Auckland, Jamieson first gained national recognition while representing Canterbury. He made his international debut against India in February 2020 at Eden Park.
Jamieson has only just recovered from a serious back injury that kept him out of the game for 10 months. His last ODI appearance was in September 2023, making this a crucial comeback. However, he has proven his fitness with a strong showing in the Super Smash competition, where he claimed 14 wickets in 12 innings at an economy rate of 5.95.
What Is Kyle Jamieson’s Bowling Speed?
Before his injury, Jamieson regularly clocked speeds around 140 km/h, but post-recovery, his pace has dropped to around 130 km/h. Despite this, his height, bounce, and movement off the pitch will make him a crucial player for New Zealand in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Jamieson's return presents him an opportunity to re-establish himself at the international level. With his ability to extract, bounce, and swing the ball, he could play a crucial role in New Zealand’s campaign.